Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Annapolis cartoonist Jim Hunt profiled

HIS OWN CAREER: From Braintree High, a cartoonist was born
Lane Lambert
Patriot Ledger June 28, 2011
 http://www.patriotledger.com/archive/x1305079067/From-Braintree-High-a-cartoonist-was-born

"Today, he's a nationally known cartoonist, whose work has appeared everywhere from Fox Sports' Major League Baseball broadcasts to HBO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. His editorial cartoons have been included in national collections seven years in a row. Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis has a caricature Hunt drew of him."

Frank Cho's World's Emmy

Daily Cartoonist reports that the Washington Post's video, Creating Frank Cho's World, has won an Emmy award.

Matt Dembicki's photos from the American Library Association

Matt Dembicki took Trickster on the road to the American Library Association and just sent me a link with pictures - http://matt-dembicki.blogspot.com/2011/06/photos-from-ala-2011.html

Monday, June 27, 2011

Glen Burnie comic shop closes

The Empyre strikes out
Local comics shop is shutting down
By THERESA WINSLOW, Staff Writer
The Capital 06/26/11
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/lif/2011/06/26-08/The-Empyre-strikes-out.html

Cul de Sac picks up paper, replacing 9 Chickweed Lane

Culled and sacked
Everett, WA Herald June 27 2011
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110627/BLOG08/706279915

Comic Riffs on NY Times cartoonist McFadden

NEW YORK TIMES DEBUT: Alt-cartoonist Brian McFadden revels in paper's first Sunday Review slot
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comics Riffs blog June 26 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/new-york-times-debut-thrilled-alt-cartoonist-brian-mcfadden-on-landing-the-papers-first-sunday-review-slot/2011/06/27/AGCmWFnH_blog.html#pagebreak

Comic Riffs on Gene Colan's death

RIP, GENE COLAN: Stan Lee joins those memorializing the legendary artist [UPDATED]
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs June 27 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-gene-colan-stan-lee-joins-those-memorializng-the-legendary-artist-updated/2011/06/24/AGif8cnH_blog.html#pagebreak

For the record, the Post ran part of a wire story obit today.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

PR: Intervention con on September 16-18

INTERVENTION CONVENTION BRINGS CYBER-LIFE TO REAL LIFE
Event brings creators and fans together for weekend of learning and fun

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 14, 2011: Intervention, taking place at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville in Rockville, MD, from September 16-18, 2011, is an indie creator and geek culture convention for the Internet generation. One part conference, one part fandom event, Intervention aims to provide both creators and fans a venue to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the opportunities technology provides.

"James [Harknell] and I wanted to put together an event that would complement the existing print-centric conventions – we wanted to showcase the creators who use the Internet as their primary publishing method," says convention founder Onezumi Hartstein. "I went to conventions for years to promote my webcomic, and was always treated well, but felt that web creators needed their own space. We're giving them that with Intervention." After a very successful first run in 2010, this year will mark Hartstein's second time organizing the event.

Over thirty guests are currently scheduled to attend, bringing three days of panels and educational workshops. Fans of all stripes are also encouraged to submit their own cutting-edge programming, showcase their own works, and schedule their own meetups at the event. A special track of children's programming will be overseen by Matt Blum, managing editor of the GeekDad blog on Wired.com.

Sponsored by Think Geek (http://www.thinkgeek.com), Wacom (http://www.wacom.com), Foam Brain Games (http://www.foambrain.com), 4Imprint (http://www.4imprint.com), Squishable (http://www.squishable.com), and Toy Vault (http://www.toyvault.com), the convention will also feature video and board gaming, an extensive Artist Alley, live action roleplay (LARP), musical performances, a Steampunk-themed dance, and plenty of giveaways. A charity auction will benefit the Electronic Frontier Foundation (http://www.eff.org), a civil liberties group that aims to defend freedom on the Internet.

Tickets for Intervention can be bought at http://www.interventioncon.com for $35 for the full weekend (through June 30, 2011). Tickets bought at the door will cost $45, with single-day rates available. More information about guests and events can be found at http://www.interventioncon.com.

Comic Book Fan Culture study at Loyola College Maryland

Family Relationships and Men's Participation in Comic Book Fan Culture
via Comic Book Resources

Annapolis cartoonist Jim Orton dies

Alan Gardner caught the death of Jim Orton at 81. Alan also linked to Roy Delgado's remembrance of Orton's DC years.
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Dick Tracy at Nat'l Museum of American History

It's a book in Paper Engineering: Fold, Pull, Pop & Turn - http://www.si.edu/Exhibitions/Details/Paper-Engineering-Fold-Pull-Pop--Turn-896

There were some neat books in this show as you'd expect, including a Dick Tracy pop-up. A Terry and the Pirates book is shown in the free brochure.

There's a blog too.

PR: $1 Comic Book Sale at Beyond Comics









Beyond Comics

OUR BIGGEST

$1 Dollar Comic Book

Blowout Ever

$1 Dollar COMICS

Almost 30,000 Comics $1 Each  

Marvels, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse and others...


Titles include: Batman, X-men, Captain America, Justice League, Superman, Spider-man, Wolverine, Daredevil, let's just say...almost every comic book title you can think of.

 


Sale Starts

Sunday June 26th

Ends Monday July 4th


Pre - Sale Saturay June 25th after 6pm

 

Hours

Sun 12-9 * Mon, Tues 10-8 * Wed - Sat 10-9 * July 4th 10 - 6
 

Gaithersburg                                       Frederick 

Gaithersburg Square                       Route 85

536 North Frederick Ave                  5632 Buckeystown Pike

Gaithersburg, MD 20877                  Frederick, MD 21704

301-668-8202                               (301) 6668-8202



All sales subject to availability. Sales do not apply to recent arrivals except where noted. Sale prices not applicable to special orders, on hold items or subscriptions. Discounts may not be combined with any other sales or promotions. Certain exclusions apply, see individual stores for details. Subscriber's not in good standing may be excluded from sales as deemed appropriate.

Please visit our stores any time.

Gaithersburg                                       Frederick
Gaithersburg Square                       Route 85
536 North Frederick Ave                  5632 Buckeystown Pike
Gaithersburg, MD 20877                  Frederick, MD 21704
301-668-8202                               (301) 6668-8202


Friday, June 24, 2011

Larry Rodman's Gene Colan interview reprinted online

In the 1990s-early 2000s, Larry Rodman was the Comics Journal's man on the ground in DC and did a lot of stories for them. He's become a school teacher now, and isn't as involved in comics as he was, but you can still spot him lurking at SPX at times.

Here's a piece he did a decade ago, reprinted due to Gene Colan's death this week -

The Gene Colan Interview
BY TCJ.com Jun 24, 2011
From The Comics Journal #231 (March 2001). Conducted by Larry Rodman.
http://www.tcj.com/the-gene-colan-interview/

Comic Riffs interviews Neil Gaiman

NEIL GAIMAN'S TWITTER VISION: Author plans to write about #Twitter in new 'American Gods 2'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 24 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/neil-gaimans-twitter-vision-author-plans-to-write-about-twitter-in-new-american-gods-2/2011/06/24/AGgs8PjH_blog.html

Leesburg, VA man outs himself as a furry

Pittsburgh inundated by furries -- fans of animated animals
PITTSBURGH | Fri Jun 24, 2011
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/24/us-convention-furries-idUSTRE75N5JA20110624

Attendee Karl Jorgensen, of Leesburg, Virginia, said being a furry was rooted in his longtime appreciation for Looney Tunes and Warner Bros. cartoons. "I'm interested in animation," he said. "The playfulness ... I mean, who doesn't like watching cartoons, right?"

Uh-huh. And then perhaps dress up as Pepe LePew?

Truitt interviews Transformer voice actor

As Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen brings humanity to 'Transformers' franchise
Brian Truitt
USA Weekend's Who's News blog June 24th, 2011
http://whosnews.usaweekend.com/2011/06/as-optimus-prime-peter-cullen-brings-humanity-to-transformers-franchise/

PBS Newshour on Gladstone and Neufeld's The Influencing Machine

Brooke Gladstone's Graphic Commentary of Media's 'Influencing Machine'
Jeffrey Brown
PBS Newshour's Art Beat blog June 24, 2011
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/art/blog/2011/06/conversation-brooke-gladstones-the-influencing-machine.html

PRI's The World on State Dept's disinviting Palestinian cartoonist Majed Badra

Palestinian cartoonist Majed Badra accused of anti-Semitism
Lisa Mullins
PRI's The World 23 June, 2011
http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/arts/palestinian-cartoonist-majed-badra-accused-of-anti-semitism4565.html
http://media.theworld.org/audio/062220113.mp3

Monkey See blog on Cars 2

'Cars 2': Unfortunately, It's Just About Cars
by Linda Holmes
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog June 24, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/24/137346135/cars-2-unfortunately-its-just-about-cars

Local papers unimpressed with Cars 2

Not much under the hood in 'Cars 2'
By: Kelly Jane Torrance
 Washington Examiner 06/23/11: http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/not-much-under-hood-cars-2

Alas, Poor Mater: 'Cars 2' Falls Short of the Original
By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express June 24, 2011, p. 30
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/cars-2-falls-short-original.php

Lightning, Mater on the road, again
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post June 24, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/cars-2,1177333/critic-review.html

Sidekick Tries to Tow a Sequel
By A. O. SCOTT
June 23, 2011
http://movies.nytimes.com/2011/06/24/movies/pixars-cars-2-with-larry-the-cable-guy-and-owen-wilson-review.html


Cartoon book reviews up at City Paper

I'm way behind on this, but here's a start -

International Ink: A Summer Comics Gift List
 by Mike Rhode on Jun. 24, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/06/24/international-ink-a-summer-comics-gift-list/

Trickster picks up book awards

Matt Dembicki's anthology Trickster picked up a couple of book awards recently. (Spotted by Tom Spurgeon)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

MAGIC BULLET #3 fundraising begins on Kickstarter


Hey everyone,

We here at the DC Conspiracy hope that you enjoyed MAGIC BULLET #2 and once again thank you for supporting that project.

We are sending out this quick note to let you know that we are now raising funds for MAGIC BULLET #3 on Kickstarter. We've got a bunch of new prizes for pledging, including the easiest way for you to get your hands on a copy of the upcoming issue.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/plasticfarm/magic-bullet-3

Please, if you enjoyed MAGIC BULLET #2, take a moment to check out our pledge drive for #3. We'll also be updating the page often as we finalize our contributor list and as artwork comes in.

Thanks again,

Rafer Roberts




Comic Riffs interviews Neil Gaiman

Here's Michael Cavna's teaser post.

Tom Gammill and Arnold Roth namecheck Richard Thompson

Tom Gammill Lesson 27
Jun 20, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPIFnA8p_wU

The 27th installment of Learn To Draw with Tom Gammill, where the creator of The Doozies visits the famous cartoonist and illustrator Arnold Roth and his wife Caroline at their NY apartment.

New Flugennock cartoon online

Latest'n'Greatest: "Don't Call Us – We'll Call You"

http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=899
Don't Call Us – We'll Call You

Click through for Mike's commentary on his cartoon.

Weldon on Woodring, Gross on Niemann

A Weird, And Wonderful, Cartoon 'Congress'
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Books We Like (June 22, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/22/137317502/a-weird-and-wonderful-cartoon-congress
and not quite DC, but Niemann's one of my favorites -
 
 

Job opportunity: cartoonist/letterist needed...urgent.

Nate (whom I don't know) has requested that I put this up on ComicsDC.

 
From: nathan <nate_888@yahoo.com>

Hi, 
Came across comics dc and thought you might be the right person to ask - I'm looking for a skilled, experienced cartoonist/illustrator with great lettering skills to hire for a 1-2 day shoot that starts tomorrow. We're doing a project that is inspired by the RSA Animate series:

We will speed up the artist's hand drawing the images on a dry erase board, and match to a voiceover like they did in the link above.  The drawings look simple, but they are harder than they appear.  If you know anyone or have suggestions about where to post this request, I'd certainly appreciate it. 

Nate



June 23: Brooke Gladstone at Politics and Prose, interviewed in Express

An Animated Personality: Brooke Gladstone, 'The Influencing Machine,' at Politics and Prose [in print: Meet an Animated Personality: Brooke Gladstone's graphic book sheds light on media history].
By Katie Aberbach
Express June 23, 2011
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/brooke-gladstone-the-influencing-machine-politics-and-prose.php
Politics and Prose, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW; Thu., 7 p.m., free; 202-364-1919, Politics-prose.com. (Van Ness)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

One missing cartoonist from State Dept tour

I had an excellent time at the reception for these cartoonists last night and should have pictures up soon. That said, one cartoonist Majed Badra of Palestine was dis-invited, albeit not by the Washington office of the International Visitor Leadership Program, but rather by Consular Affairs. Here's what appears to me to be a good article -

Dept. of State rejects cartoonist over 'anti-Semitic' drawings
— Clara Hogan
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press June 20 2011
http://www.rcfp.org/newsitems/index.php?i=11932

- and I particularly like this quote, which seems to go to the heart of the matter to me - "The young cartoonist noted that the U.S. government interfered with his freedom of speech in the context of a program that is meant to support it."

Conan Takes a Prize


Here's a Conan drawing by SL Gallant for my friend Ahmed, who requested that the severed head resemble me. Ahhh, friends...

Monday, June 20, 2011

Tom Gauld in yesterday's Washington Post

For the record, crack British cartoonist Tom Gauld had illustrations in the June 19th Washington Post Book Review. Gauld does regular illustrations for the New York Times Magazine, and has done book-related illustrations for a British newspaper for years.

Comic Riffs interviews Poseur's Vankin

THE LINES BEHIND THE LIES: Through fiction, 'Poseurs' author Deborah Vankin unveils truths of self-discovery
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-lines-behind-the-lies-through-fiction-poseurs-author-deborah-vankin-unveils-truths-about-nightlife-and-teen-lit/2011/06/20/AG7k8YcH_blog.html

Pennsylvania student cartoonist's work shown at Capitol

Area teen artist's work will be on display in Washington
MATT HUGHES
Times Leader June 19 2011
http://www.timesleader.com/news/Area-teen-artists-work-will-be-on-display-in-Washington.html

Cartoonists and baseball

Local writer, and FoCDC, Warren Bernard has a new article on cartoonists playing baseball -

The Greatest Baseball Game Ever Played

R.C. Harvey on Richard Thompson and Cul de Sac

Fanfare: Open Access for our hare-raising report on the Reubens Weekend, May 27-29, during which the National Cartoonists Society bestows numerous awards, including the Reuben for "cartoonist of the year." Meet the Wimpy Kid's Jeff Kinney, freelancers Roy Doty and R.O. Blechman and Cul de Sac's Richard Thompson and read all the sordid details of the humiliation of the Happy Harv himself and other disgraces that transpired over the weekend. Plus—a plan to reform Congress!! This installment is open to all comers, whether you pay a $ubscription fee or not. This largess occurs only once or twice a year, kimo sabe, so don't miss out. Beam up by clicking below.

http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html

Stay tooned,
R.C. Harvey

For comics news and reviews, profusely dosed with cartooning history and lore, beam up to www.RCHarvey.com, where our online magazine, Rants & Raves, is posted every two or three weeks.

Comic Book Diner: Fun & Funny Graphic Novel Boxed Set fails at Kickstarter

Local cartoonist John Gallagher's Comic Book Diner fundraiser at Kickstarter failed today, but John hopes to resubmit it and is asking the following questions:

So a few final questions, based upon all the great feedback you gave in the last round of "Backer Suggestion Box Theater"...

1. The box is a costly part of this set-- but what if, instead of a box, we offered hardcover versions in place of the boxed set? You see, our printer has noodled out some ideas on bringing costs down, and the customization of the box was a big issue-- but taking say, just 500 of each run and making them hardcover, could increase the longetivity and value, for less than the box costs.

2. Some have suggested increasing the # of cameos for additional funding-- what do you think? Should we make a special scene in the Buzzboy Diner, or at the Roboyland park, where friends and family who back us for $100 appear?

3. If we resubmitted in a few days, or weeks-- would you back us? And what else might you suggest?

We really do appreciate everybody's comments-- and to our early backers, we thank you.




Sunday, June 19, 2011

USA Today on The Big Lie, Legion of Doom and the Red Skull

Image Comics' 'The Big Lie' asks some big questions
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Image-Comics-The-Big-Lie-asks-some-big-questions_n.htm

'Legion of Doom': DC supervillains feel a Heat Wave
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-14-Legion-of-Doom-DC-Comics-supervillains-feel-a-Heat-Wave_n.htm

Red Skull miniseries plots origin for a vile Marvel villain
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-15-Red-Skull-comic-series-plots-origin-of-a-Marvel-villain_n.htm

Shreveport Times asks my opinion on comic strips

Comics section gets new format
Written by John Andrew Prime Jun. 19, 2011
Shreveport Times
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20110619/NEWS01/106190324/Comics-section-gets-new-format

Zadzooks on Green Lantern videogame

Zadzooks: Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times June 18, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/18/zadzooks-green-lantern-rise-manhunters/

Local collector Mark Zaid featured on comic collecting video

Are local comic book dealers more trustworthy than Internet dealers?: Buying Comic Books
By GrabNetworks June 18 2011
http://security.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=1552849

June 20: Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

I'll be attending this.

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World
Monday, June 20, 2011
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Holeman Lounge, The National Press Club
Free for Press Club Members, Non Members: $10
Free for DC Conspiracy Members and any other DC cartoonists (enter discount code DOS)

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World

Press Club Hosts Political Cartoonists From Around the World

Political cartoonists have the unique ability to capture complex issues in a picture and a few short words. In many parts of the world, they contribute political commentary that few print or broadcast journalists would dare.

The U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is hosting a group of 20 political cartoonists from North Africa, the Middle East, and South and Central Asia. During their three weeks in the U.S., they will meet with fellow cartoonists around the country and get a taste of American culture.

We invite you to a welcoming reception hosted jointly by the U.S. Department of State and the National Press Club. The event will begin at 5 p.m. in the Holeman Lounge at the National Press Club. A brief program will begin at 6 p.m. The international cartoonists' pieces will be on display and they will be available to discuss their work and experiences.A cash http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifbar will be available and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

This event is free to members of the National Press Club and $10 for non members.



And I'm sure this article refers to a disinvited guest-

Gaza cartoonist says US consul canceled training invite
Ma'an News Agency 18/06/2011

PR: DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!









DC Comic-Con Logo.jpg
Reminder!  DC Comicon is Sunday (Father's Day)! Cho! Hama! Dezago! Starlin! FREE!
 
FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA - June 17, 2011 - A final reminder that the second annual DC Comicon at George Mason University sponsored by Brett Carreras (the promoter of the VA  Comicon) and Marc Nathan (the promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con) is this Sunday, June 14th, and it's FREE.

Again being held at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, the DC Comicon will feature the regions finest selection of comic books from the 1940's to present, along with top comic book industry talent.

Featured guests include Frank Cho (Award-winning illustrator and writer of Liberty Meadows, Mighty Avengers and more!), Jim Starlin (creator of all things Thanos and Infinity), Todd Dezago (the current Casper relaunch, Tellos, Amazing Spider-Man), Larry Hama (The "Godfather" of GI Joe, and creator of Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow) along with his illustrator on the current GI Joe series, SL Gallant...signing with Mr. Hama for the first time!

 

 

DC Comicon FREE tickets were delivered to EVERY comic retailer in VA, DC and MD on Wednesday, June 15th, so go into your favorite store and ASK for your free tickets!

 

FREE_DC_2011.jpg

 

 

With door prizes courtesy of Top Cow, FREE admission, GREAT comic book selection, and less than a 100 mile commute from Richmond, DC, Philadelphia, and MORE, along with access to the DC Metro public transit system, the DC Comicon is the EASIEST, and most FREE comic book event EVER on Father's Day.

Visit www.dccomicon.com for more information, including your FREE tickets and information on travel, parking, artists, publishers, updates, and MORE! We will see you there!

Regards,                                                                                                       

Brett Carreras (promoter of the VA Comicon www.vacomicon.com)

Marc Nathan (promoter of the Baltimore Comicon (www.baltimorecomiccon.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Saturday, June 18, 2011

June 18: Super Art Fight returns to DC

Tonight, Super Art Fight returns to DC at The Red Palace. If watching cartoonists think and draw on their feet in sketching contests appeals to you - and you can be drinking while this happens - local cartoonists Brandon J. Carr and Jami Noguchi will be facing off. Tickets are still available although the previous SAF sold out. Super Art Fight,  The Red Palace, 1212 H St, NE, Washington, DC, Saturday, June 18, 10 pm, $15.

 
 
 
 

Friday, June 17, 2011