Truitt on Action Comics

'Action Comics' explores 'brash kid Superman'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 3 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-03/DC-Comics-Action-Comics-series-explores-brash-kid-Superman/50642928/1

Truitt on Top Cow's Pilot Season

'Test' launches comic book 'pilot' season
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 3 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-03/the-test-comic-pilots/50648186/1

Comic Riffs on Spiegelman's MetaMaus

'MetaMaus': 'MAUS' creator Art Spiegelman reveals emotional journey to today's 25th-anniversary book
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 4 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/metamaus-maus-creator-art-spiegelman-reveals-emotional-journey-to-todays-25th-anniversary-book/2011/10/03/gIQARhyIKL_blog.html#pagebreak

Oct 9: Star Wars cosplay at Arlington Central Library on Saturday

http://www.arlnow.com/2011/10/03/library-to-host-star-wars-costume-event/ and http://arlingtonvalib.blogspot.com/2011/09/learn-how-to-make-your-own-star-wars.html

It's from 2-3 pm.

South Park article in today's Express

Here's a link to the online version of the South Park article.

Nate Beeler's college comic strip selected as one of 10 best

Check out the article (I've never seen any of Nate's college work, myself):

Top 10 College Newspaper Comics
Larry Dignan 
Online Courses October 2nd, 2011
http://www.onlinecollegecourses.com/2011/10/02/top-10-college-newspaper-comics/

Barbarian Comics in Wheaton profiled

Barbarian Comics still serving readers after 40 years
Landmark Wheaton business staying true to its roots
by Aaron Kraut, Staff Writer
The Gazette September 28 2011
http://www.gazette.net/article/20110928/NEWS/709289582/1123/barbarian-comics-still-serving-readers-after-40-years&template=gazette

Joshua Luna interview at Comic Book Resources

Joshua Luna "Whispers" A Solo Series
September 29th, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=34635

Truitt on DC's New 52

Grading DC's 'New 52': Oh, the horror in Week 4
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 29 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-29/Grading-Week-4-of-DC-Comics-New-52-relaunch/50607686/1

Comicsgirl on Kazu Kibuishi at the National Book Festival

Comicsgirl has a summary of Kazu Kibuishi's appearance at the National Book Festival.

Comic Riffs on the death of best editorial cartoon of the year editor

RIP, CHARLES BROOKS Sr.: Editorial cartoonist/editor dies at 90 [UPDATED]
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 1 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-charles-brooks-sr-editorial-cartoonisteditor-dies-at-90/2011/10/01/gIQAZMvzBL_blog.html

Rechin brothers exhibit in Falls Church

ArtWORKS Series at ArtSpace: Jeff and Kevin Rechin Exhibiting in October
By Barbara Cram, SPECIAL TO THE FALLS CHURCH TIMES  October 1, 2011
http://fallschurchtimes.com/30739/artworks-series-at-artspace-jeff-and-kevin-rechin-exhibiting-in-october

Kevin's the cartoonist, and his work will be up on October 19th, with an opening on the 20th.

Truitt on Immortals graphic novel prequel

'Immortals' slashes from screen to page
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 30 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-30/Immortals-graphic-novel-ties-to-upcoming-movie/50617516/1

Anything can happen in a comics strip

My friend Professor Tom Inge once wrote an exhibit about how "Anything can happen in a comics strip."  Today's Post newspaper page bears that out with four strips using other characters.

Pearls Before Swine namechecks Pogo.

Brewster Rockit jokes about Superman.

Lio sticks its tongue out at Peanuts.

Mutts recalls Little Nemo in Slumberland, undoubtedly to the confusion of most of its readers.

And just to mix it up, a few days ago, Pooch Cafe's Paul Gilligan had this piece of artwork illustrating an article on Supermoms.

Jim Ottaviani's Feynman featured in today's Post

Richard Feynman, the late physicist, is hero of new graphic novel [in print: Mr. Feynman, defying physics as a comics hero, October 1]
By Monica Hesse,  September 30 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/physicist-richard-feynman-is-hero-of-new-graphic-novel/2011/09/13/gIQAOGR4AL_story.html

Oct 2: Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con

Time	Sunday, October 2 · 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location	Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department 2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, VA
Created By	Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
More Info	Admission: $3, Kids FREE!! We feature 50+ tables with Gold/Silver Age, Modern & Indie Comics, Publishers, Creators, Non-sport Cards, TV/Movie, Star Wars, Star Trek, Horror, Sci-Fi. DVDs & MORE!! Featuring: Tim Dzon, Comic Book Artist. DC, Marvel, Small Press. The Realm, Megaton Man, Ex-Mutants, The Flash, Doom Patrol, Suicide Squad, Avengers West Coast, Spiderman Unlimited, Fantastic Four Unplugged, What If?, Ironman, War-Machine, Hawkeye M.S., Northstar M.S. Marvel Comics Presents, etc. K. Michael Crawford, has been creating magical art and whimsical writing for Children's Books since 1991. Michael's latest drawing books, The Mystery of Journey Crowne, The Island of Zadu, Batty Malgoony's Mystic Carnivale and Professor Horton Hogwash's Museum of Ridiculous are part of a drawing series that get children to use their imagination, to teach them how to figure things out and lets them make choices. For more about the magical art and books by K. Michael Crawford, visit: www.happilyeverart.com Dan Nokes, 21st Century Sandshark ADAM AND EVE: BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE IN THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE VOL 1 Curtis Prather & the Spooky Movie Crew, Director of the Spooky Movie Festival James Rambo, Gluten-Free Comic Chris Flick, Capes and Babes Michael Munshaw, M Squared Studios Bill McKay, Zombies Vs. Cheerleaders David Miller, Writer's Block, Avatar of the Futurians Dale Rawlings Ali G, Artist ...and MORE!!

Truitt and Post blog on Amanda Palmer

Amanda Palmer gets graphic with 'Evelyn Evelyn'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 9/20/2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-20/Amanda-Palmer-gets-graphic-with-Evelyn-Evelyn-book/50480588/1

and the derivative Post post -

Amanda Palmer graphic novel for kids – another book that will scare parents
By Elizabeth Flock
Washington Post Blogpost September 29 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/amanda-palmer-graphic-novel-for-kids--another-book-that-will-scare-parents/2011/09/29/gIQADMm16K_blog.html?wprss=blogpost

Truitt interview on X-Men cartoon

Scott Porter takes X-Men love to new level with G4 anime
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 29 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-29/Scott-Porter-voices-Cyclops-in-new-G4-X-Men-anime-series/50607406/1

McDaniel College's speaker series

 

THE SERIOUS SIDE OF COMICS SPEAKER SERIES

*All events are held in McDaniel Lounge, 2 College Hill, Westminster, Md., unless otherwise noted.

BRIAN WALKER

Wednesday, October 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Brian Walker is a prominent cartoon historian and second‐generation creator of "Hi and

Lois" and a writer for "Beetle Bailey," comic strips begun by his father, Mort. He was the

curator of the Museum of Cartoon Art for 18 years, has taught courses on comics at Fairfield

University and the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and has published several comics

compendiums, including his latest, "The Comics: The Complete Collection."

HARRY BLISS

Wednesday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m.

Harry Bliss is a New Yorker cartoonist and creator of the self-titled, syndicated cartoon,

"Bliss." He is also a successful children's book illustrator, best known for his work on the

award-winning trilogy "Diary of a Worm," "Diary of a Spider," and "Diary of a Fly," all by

Doreen Cronin. His self-titled cartoon collection "Death by Laughter" with an introduction

by mockumentary filmmaker Christopher Guest was published in 2008.

RICHARD THOMPSON

*Tuesday, November 1, at 7 p.m.

Corcoran College of Art + Design, Frances and Armand Hammer Auditorium

500 17th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

For more information, visit www.corcoran.org/calendar or call 202-639-1770.

Richard Thompson has been described by a peer as "probably the most talented all‐around

syndicated cartoonist working today." His comic strip "Cul de Sac," which has gained

national recognition, is known for its unique illustrations and wit. He was the 2011

recipient of the Reuben Award, the nation's preeminent award for cartoonists and

illustrators. He has also illustrated for The New Yorker, National Geographic, and U.S. News

& World Report.

KEVIN KALLAUGHER (KAL)

Tuesday, November 8, at 7:30 p.m.

Kevin Kallaugher, known as KAL, is an internationally renowned political cartoonist for The

Economist and the former cartoonist at The Baltimore Sun. Throughout his 17 years at The

Sun, he drew more than 4,000 cartoons while continuing to draw two cartoons per week for

The Economist. His work for The Economist includes more than 120 illustrated covers. A

collection of his more recent work, "KAL Draws Criticism," was published in June 2006.

Washington Redskin collects comics

Hulk alert: Redskins' S Atogwe loves his comics

Joseph White  / Associated Press.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/nfl/wires/09/29/2020.ap.fbn.redskins.oj.s.hulks.1st.ld.writethru.0824/index.html

Jim Ottaviani's in town this weekend, and the City Paper has an interview

Meet a Visiting Cartoonist: A Chat with Jim Ottaviani

by Mike Rhode on Sep. 30, 2011

His new book is a comics biography of Richard Feynman.

Oct 3: Ariel Dorfman at Politics and Prose

Dorfman's first major impact in English-language works was How to Read Donald Duck about American cultural imperialism.

 

Monday, October 3, 7 p.m.
Ariel Dorfman
Feeding on Dreams: Confessions of an Unrepentant Exile (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $27)
In his powerful memoir of politics and exile, the Chilean novelist, essayist, playwright, and human rights activist looks back to 1973. After the military overthrew Allende, Dorfman stayed one step ahead of death squads, moving from his homeland to Buenos Aires, Paris, Amsterdam, and finally the U.S, where he is now a professor of literature and Latin American studies at Duke.

Tom Toles caption contest returns

Click here to see Toles cartoon and enter a caption.

Cartoonist Rights Network's Robert Russell interviewed in Taiwan

IPI World Congress 2011: Innovations in Political Cartooning
Panelists Discuss Free Speech, Role of Static Images in Electronic Media
By Lin King and Adrienne Shih
International Press Institute September 28 2011
http://www.freemedia.at/home/singleview/article/ipi-world-congress-2011-innovations-in-political-cartooning.html

Caro on SPX

"Comics as a Spiritual Pursuit" versus "People Don't Buy Comics" – Thoughts after SPX 2011
by Caro (Caroline Small)
Hooded Utilitarian blog September 26, 2011
http://hoodedutilitarian.com/2011/09/comics-as-a-spiritual-pursuit/

She's SPX's treasurer.  There's a lively exchange in the comments section too.

Truitt on Aquaman

No joke: Geoff Johns aims to make Aquaman cool
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 28 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-28/DC-Comics-launches-new-Aquaman-series/50582360/1

Fantom Comics' Comics Journeyman's upcoming comics recommendations

The Comics Journeyman is going through Previews for what interests him, but also noting how many copies of some books have been requested by subscribers at his Fantom Comics store.  The link is to the 4th installment.  His tastes and mine overlap about 1/2 the time it appears.

Comic Riffs on Ziggy's father and son

ZIGGY'S GIFT: How the artistic son treasures his father's creative inheritance
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 28 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/ziggys-gift-how-the-artistic-son-treasures-his-fathers-creative-inheritance/2011/09/20/gIQA6UU34K_blog.html#pagebreak

Weldon on Kupperman's Twain

Satirist, Spy, Soldier, Sex Machine: 'Mark Twain's Autobiography: 1910-2010'
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (September 28, 2011):
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/09/28/140852658/satirist-spy-soldier-sex-machine-mark-twains-autobiography-1910-2010

Gib Crockett cartoons at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington

This is an automatically generated message, but I'll tweek it a bit - Gib Crockett designed custom labels for a local liquor store, and they're preserved here.

Here is an interesting link from the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington:

https://cjm.catalogaccess.com/archives/4249 (link updated 6/11/2024)

Oct 22: Lovestruck signing in Annapolis

OCT 22nd – LOVESTRUCK SIGNING WITH KEVIN MELLON & DENNIS HOPELESS

Click here for the full 6 WEEK HEART ATTACK Schedule.

What's the scoop on LOVESTRUCK?  This original graphic novel is a killer new IMAGE COMICS project about the manipulations of a greedy modern day Cupid who has made love his business. In a world where often talented, and gifted people just can't seem to make relationships work, we're shown what would happen when they're given the powers of Cupid. But, how can you control love when you don't understand it?

In LOVESTRUCK, love is a billion dollar industry, and Cupid has more in common with a megalomaniacal CEO than the classic cherub we all know.

A killer looking premise, with loads of promise, we're really excited to have Kevin and Dennis by the shop to sign LOVESTRUCK.

Pop Mhan's new comic

Nguyen and Co. Offer New Shades in "Carbon Grey Origins"
by TJ Dietsch,  September 7th, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=34182

""Pop is a phenomenal artist," Nguyen said..."

Truitt on television's Castle adaptation

'Castle' series enters realm of graphic novels
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 28 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-28/richard-castle-graphic-novel-deadly-storm/50574842/1

Truitt on Teen Titans and Makeshift Miracle

DC rolls out a 'Teen Titans' for a new generation
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-26/DC-Comics-rolls-out-a-Teen-Titans-series-for-a-new-generation/50554688/1

'Makeshift Miracle' makes a grand return to the Web
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-26/Makeshift-Miracle-makes-a-grand-return-to-the-Web/50559418/1

OT: Viennese cartoon exhibit

So my wife just returned from Vienna, Austria, where she stumbled across a comics exhibit - the Fiese Bilder des Schwarzen Humors Meisterwerke comic and cartoon exhibit. She photographed it for me.

There's a few non-exhibit comics shots in there too of things she stumbled across - 2 of an Asterix sign, 1 of a poster warning of pollen, and 1 of a car with Michel Valiant comic art decoupage.

Thanks, Cathy!

District of Geeks on SPX and Fantom Comics store manager

The dreaded tombstone question, led off by Danielle Corsetto -

SPX Specs: Part 1!
District of Geeks blog September 12, 2011
http://districtofgeeks.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/spx-specs-part-1/#more-229

and an interview with the Fantom Comics store manager -

Geek of the Week: Devon Sanders
District of Geeks September 13, 2011
http://districtofgeeks.wordpress.com/2011/09/13/geek-of-the-week-devon-sanders/

OT: 60 Minutes on South Park

This is completely off-topic, but they were kind enough to send me the PR, and South Park is a big favorite of one of my neighborhood friends.

So - behind the scenes at 60 Minutes:

"South Park": Laughs on a deadline: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504803_162-20111061-10391709.html?tag=contentBody;currentVideoInfo

and the story itself:

Parker & Stone's subversive comedy
60 Minutes September 25, 2011
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7382312n

Library of Congress exhibit featured at io9

Some of the Best Comic Art in the World, from the Library of Congress
By Keith Veronese
Sep 23, 2011
http://io9.com/5842657/some-of-the-best-comic-art-in-the-world-from-the-library-of-congress

Fix and Foxi exhibit featured in today's Post

Fix and Foxi: Exhibit features Germany's Mickey and Minnie
 Raymond M. Lane,
Washington Post September 26 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/fix-and-foxi-exhibit-features-germanys-mickey-and-minnie/2011/09/12/gIQAYxXzwK_story.html

Sept 28: DC Artist Cliff Chiang In-Store Appearance at Cards Comics & Collectibles

Cliff Chiang In-Store Appearance at Cards, Comics and Collectibles      Cliff Chiang In-Store Apperance    From the Store that Brings You the Baltimore Comic-Con...     Cliff Chiang will be at Cards Comics and Collectibles on Wednesday, September 28th from 3pm-7pm!   Cliff is the artist of the new DC 52 Wonder Woman series, the critically-acclaimed graphic novel "Neil Young's Greendale," as well as Swamp Thing, Human Target, and others.   Wonder Woman # 1 ships on 9/21 with that week's new DC #1's!  The new DC 52 are a hit and CC&C have them! Other stores have sold out but we still have first printings @ cover price!   We also offer each week's issues in special packs, bagged, boarded and 25% off cover price!    We will be featuring 50% off trade paperbacks & hardcovers (excluding new items this week) all day!    Check us out for updates on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cards-Comics-and-Collectibles/105966149473844   We bring the best comic show and best guests to Baltimore!  Make sure to mark your calendars for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con, September 8-9, 2012 -- stay tuned to www.baltimorecomiccon.com for more info!     !  "Like" us on Facebook!

Oct 2: Jim Ottaviani at Air & Space

Jim Ottaviani, who writes comics about scientists, will be at the National Air & Space Museum at noon on Sunday, October 2, discussing his new biography, Feynman.

And to editorialize, Jim's a real sweet guy.

Truitt on Near Death, BPRD, Transformers and DC's New 52

Grading DC's 'New 52': Batman books rule Week 3
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 22 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-22/Grading-DCs-New-52-Batman-books-rule-Week-3/50515950/1

R.I.P. Optimus Prime? Big changes for IDW's 'Transformers'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 22 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-22/RIP-Optimus-Prime-Big-changes-in-store-for-Transformers-comic-series/50515988/1

Mike Mignola continues B.P.R.D. legacy with two miniseries
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY September 21 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-21/Mike-Mignola-continues-BPRD-legacy-with-two-new-miniseries/50496860/1

'Near Death': A hitman with a change of heart
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-09-19/Near-Death-comic-stars-a-hitman-with-a-change-of-heart/50469060/1

Big Planet Comics - Georgetown's last day

Just a couple of pictures...

Visit them at their new U St, NW location this week.

Beeler is a Cartoon for the Classroom

Nate Beeler's cartoon of Obama as Icarus is the subject of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists' Cartoons for the Classroom for the week of September 25th. Direct download here.

Sept 25: Cartoonists at National Book Festival (corrected)

It's on the Mall today, and includes Richard Thompson, Kazu Kibuishi and others. I'll be introducing Kibuishi at 1:55, so feel free to grab me to say hello.

Here's my intro, as it stands now:

Kazu Kibuishi (KAH-zoo Kee-boo-EE-shee), was born in Japan in 1979, but came to the United States as a young child. Trained in film-making, he worked in animation, , but as comics evolved in recent years, he has distinguished himself in new formats. He began his webcomic Copper in 2002, and the short stories follow the dreamlike adventures of Fred and his dog Copper. These stories were collected in a book in 2010. Kibuishi began the Flight anthology book series in 2004 to showcase the work of young cartoonists, including animators. It was originally published by Image Comics, but moved to mainstream publishers to get into bookstores. He recently ended the series with book #8. While working on Flight, he also created the steampunk graphic novel Daisy Kutter: The Last Train which was an American Library Association 2006 pick for Best Books for Young Adults. In 2008, he began Amulet a child-friendly steampunk series published by Scholastic. His newest book is Amulet #4: The Last Council which debuted this month on the New York Times’ bestsellers lists.

Here's more details on the cartoonists:

The National Book Festival Is Cartoon-Friendly, Too
by Mike Rhode on Sep. 23, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/09/23/the-national-book-festival-is-cartoon-friendly-too/

Sept 24: 50% off sale at Big Planet Georgetown today only

Today only! Moving sale at Big Planet Comics' Georgetown location only! Everything in the store 50% off! 11 am-6 pm. No rainchecks!

Massive Guy Billout illustration in today's Post

One of my favorite cartoonist/illustrators is Guy Billout, and the Post's Business section has a big drawing by him today, of a man poking the flexible pillars of a bank. 

Weldon on Kate Beaton

Cartoonist Beaton's "Hark! A Vagrant!" Finds Drollery in Drawing Rooms
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (September 22, 2011):
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/09/22/140658742/cartoonist-beatons-hark-a-vagrant-finds-drollery-in-drawing-rooms

Politico and USA Today on Bluewaters' latest political comic books

Comic books to feature GOP candidates, Tea Party
by Catalina Camia, USA TODAY September 23 2011
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/09/michele-bachmann-comic-book-rick-perry-presidential-race-/1?csp=34news

Obama, Perry comic books out soon
By PATRICK GAVIN  9/23/11
 http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0911/64250.html

Wuerker rules

Internet chatter suggests that Politico's Matt Wuerker has been elected head of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists.  I'm sure it's true, since I can't be bothered to email him and check.  Who'd lie about something like this?

Seriously, congratulations, Matt, and good luck planning the con coming up in DC.