Our guest columnist returns as JOHN DANIELS INTERVIEWS FRANK BEDDOR ON SEEING REDD
First and foremost I want to thank you for taking the time to interview with me again.
The incredible sequel to the Looking Glass Wars is enthralling. Seeing Redd is the type of novel that could catapult you into literary history. Seeing Redd is the most awe-inspiring novel of the season.
How did it feel to see your book Seeing Redd which was just released on August 21st already topping the New York Times bestseller list?
Very, very satisfying. Having it at #4 on the NYT bestseller list the week it was released showed me that the momentum created by the Looking Glass Wars and Hatter M had carried readers to the next book and this was incredibly exciting.
How would you describe the atmosphere of Seeing Redd compared to the Looking Glass Wars novel?
Well…the dust has barely settled since the Alyssians trounced Queen Redd and she fled through the Heart Crystal to parts unknown. We return to a Wonderland in flux as the young queen Alyss attempts to rule a world she barely knows; a world where everyone is seeing Redd! Has Her Imperial Viciousness returned or it only black imagination? So in one word I would describe the atmosphere as TENSE in Seeing Redd. Book Two readers, assuming they have read book one, have already been introduced to Alyss and her Wonderland and many of the characters they will see again in Book 2. While LGW covered a 13-year period, Seeing Redd focuses on an adventure that takes place over a short period of time. There will be new characters introduced plus a heightened sense of immediacy as events and crisis follow in rapid order. Characters will again be traveling back and forth from Wonderland via the Pool of Tears but this time a new twist will be added as inhabitants of our world travel to Wonderland. These travelers are not exactly welcome as they are villains first introduced in the Hatter M comics. Much of the fun of the parallel story of Hatter M is crossing back and forth from different perspectives. While Hatter battled these villains on earth to save Imagination, Redd sees them in an entirely different light.
The depths of the characters portrayed in your novels are astonishing. Are there any characters returning from the Looking Glass Wars novel, and could you tell us some of the new characters in Seeing Redd?
Alyss and all the Alyssians return in full force for Seeing Redd as well as Redd and her murderous feline, the Cat. Villains introduced in the Hatter M comic mini-series will also re-appear in Seeing Redd as they join with Her Imperial Viciousness in the cause of Black Imagination. With regard to new characters, readers will be introduced to Boarderland and it’s alpha leader, King Arch, an avowed male chauvinist who loathes the idea of Queens ruling Wonderland. Aided by his henchmen, Ripkins and Blister, and the 21 warrior tribes, King Arch lays out his plan to dominate Wonderland like a master chess player. It comes quite naturally to Arch since Boarderland is a land of incessant gamers and gamblers. If you are a fan of anagrams, closely inspect the map included in Seeing Redd and see if you can decode the names of each of the 21 tribes. Hint: Each name is an anagram of a card or board game. Good luck!
Last time we interviewed I made a statement this could be a franchise in the making and this would be an incredible tale for a movie. How much is this in fruition?
I have completed the screenplays for the Looking Glass Wars and Hatter M. which I see as companion films. I am currently working on Book 3 of the trilogy and the screenplay for Seeing Redd. If I am fortunate enough to get the first two films produced then I would like to go on and produce the second two, which would create a 4 film series. In the franchise crazed studio world this amount of material has generated a lot of interest and excitement, however I’m holding out on making any deals. Currently, I have been having conversations with directors because the final and most important piece of the puzzle is my creative counterpart, the director who will take what I’ve created even further.
I first read Hatter M before the Looking Glass Wars; I have been a fan of your writings since 2005. How do you feel about the recognition you have received from all of the media and comic book reviewers?
I feel extreme gratitude for all the time and effort taken by these writers to get to know my work and help to articulate it to their readers. The positive feedback really helps by encouraging me to take the intuitive leaps that guide me with all of these projects. You think to yourself, “Oh man…is this too much?” But then you get this amazing feedback to go further and it just pushes you to keep trying for the high notes. It really is a collaborative effort on everyone’s part who enjoys the projects to keep them expanding and delivering what the LGW fans enjoy about the characters and their adventures.
Are you going to be coming to the east coast and doing any book signings or Comic -Cons, because you have loyal fans that would enjoy meeting a creative artisan as yourself?
I always try to do as many Comic Cons as I can physically and realistically fit in to my schedule because meeting the fans and talking about the work is truly ground zero for me. FRANK – ANY EAST COAST COMIC CONS SCHEDULED??????
Are you going to have a comic book about the Seeing Redd novel?
It is a definite possibility. If I were to do a ‘comic’ based on Redd I would want to do it in a similar fashion to how I created Hatter M which was created not as a comic book version of the character as readers were introduced to him in LGW, but as a stand alone series that is really an adjunct or extension of the novel. Through Hatter’s perspective readers are taken on an entirely different albeit connected adventure from what they have read in LGW. Redd’s comic book series would possibly be a prequel of the girl who would kill to become Queen or maybe an exploration of Wonderland when she ruled for 13 years where the four suit families were vying for power as they assemble their own armies.
How were the skeptics concerning you writing this fantastic story?
Debate is healthy. I welcome all forms of criticism and only ask that they read my books first.
As I read Chapter 32 in the book, I was so amazed how you incorporated our friend Mr. Dodgson. How does the Lewis Carroll society feel about you writing about their founder?
I have not had any direct contact with the venerable society, however, I believe via several anonymous posts to our forums that there may be a divisive ‘curiosity’ developing within the society and that some of the members have opened their imaginations to the possibility that there was much more to Lewis Carroll than history had recorded.
You have surrounded yourself in the company of some great artists in the past such as Ben Templesmith and Liz Cavalier. Now in this novel Seeing Redd you have artwork by Vance Kovacs, Stephan Martiniere, and Nate Barlow. How have the contributions of these artists helped in spreading the glow?
Working with the people you named (as well many, many others you did not) has been an alchemical explosion of creativity that has not only helped to spread the glow but since the very beginning has revealed that imagination glows brightest when the effort is collaborative.
Which is more demanding and fulfilling being a movie producer or being a writer?
Both are demanding and fulfilling, as is any job where something of value is accomplished. The difference I noticed most was that when you produce a movie you have to rely on other people on a daily basis while when writing it is solely up to you to deliver that day’s pages. When writing you stand, or fall, alone on each day’s work. This makes for an intense experience and your daily moods correspond to how well the writing is going which can turn you into a functioning manic/depressive.
Is there any advice you would give aspiring writers?
They always tell you to write what you know. I think this is boring advice. If you know it already where is the fun for you? I say go out and discover something you do not know but are incredibly interested in and write about that. At least you will have a good time doing it and if it is something you find fascinating chances are others will too or at least enough people to support your ongoing authorial efforts.
What would you like fans to go away with after reading "Seeing Redd"?
An intense desire to know what happens in Book 3.
As always, it has been a pleasure talking with you. Mr. Beddor, your creativeness and written artistry are that of a modern day genius. Thank you and the multitudes of creative artists that work with you to bring us the readers an incredible novel about the real Alyss of Wonderland.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Saturday, October 13, 2007
SPX and DC's Matt Dembicki in the Examiner today UPDATED
The Examiner has a brief article on SPX today (now on the right, shhh) - Matt Dembicki of the local DC Conspiracy artists group is quoted in it. Matt's at SPX selling his Mr. Big, the story of a large turtle, which Matt says is all-ages appropriate.
Also, apparently yesterday's Post Weekend had a brief article, and on Thursday, Scott Rosenberg had a good size piece about Matt Wagner and SPX in the Express, with a lovely piece of art by Paul Horshenheiemer. He's got extras and he's roaming at SPX interviewing cartoonists with Chris Porter also of the Express.
I'll be there circa 1:30 on Saturday with Richard Thompson of the Post and Cul de Sac in tow.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
OT: Mauldin / Feiffer exhibit in Chicago
this press release was sent to me and I've got a great deal of respect and admiration for the two cartoonists, so here it is:
Jean Albano Gallery
215 West Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.440.0770 fax 312.440.3103
www.jeanalbanogallery.com
October 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Jean Albano Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition, History Revealed, featuring work by famed cartoonists BILL MAULDIN and JULES FEIFFER. The show opens on Friday, October 26, 2007, and will run through Saturday, January 6, 2008. The gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at 215 West Superior Street, Chicago. This exhibition will explore subtleties between the work of these two men, whose editorial cartoons continue to be socially and politically relevant. Original watercolor drawings, editorial cartoons, and Feiffer’s illustrations from The Long Chalkboard (2006) will be shown. In addition, new limited edition prints by Bill Mauldin will be featured, including a special limited edition printing of Mauldin’s iconic “Weeping Lincoln” image.
The late cartoonist BILL MAULDIN is remembered for his depiction of life in the trenches during World War II. Stationed in Europe during the war, Mauldin drew cartoons for the Stars and Strips featuring two infantrymen named Willie and Joe. In 1945, Mauldin won his first Pulitzer Prize, “for distinguished service as a cartoonist, as exemplified by the series entitled ‘Up Front with Mauldin.” Mauldin became staff cartoonist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1959. In the same year, he won his second Pulitzer for a cartoon entitled I won the Nobel Prize for Literature. What was your crime? In 1962, Mauldin moved to the Chicago Sun-Times, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. One of Mauldin’s most famous cartoons, depicting the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial holding his head in his hands, appeared in the paper after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Mauldin passed away at the age of 81 in 2003.
JULES FEIFFER is a legendary, multi-dimensional personality whose talent is reflected in his many endeavors, including his beautifully composed and engaging artwork. In 2003, Feiffer was honored with a solo exhibition, Julz Rulz: Inside the Mind of Jules Feiffer, at the New York Historical Society. In addition, Feiffer’s most recent play, A Bad Friend, was commissioned by and performed at Lincoln Center, New York in summer, 2003. Jules Feiffer is known for his internationally syndicated cartoon strip, which ran for 40 years in The Village Voice and as a monthly feature in The New York Times. He is the author of over 35 books, including the children’s books By the Side of the Road, (2002) and I Lost My Bear (1998). He has written film scripts, among them Popeye (1980) and Carnal Knowledge (1971), and won an Academy Award for Munro (1960), an animated cartoon based on his story. Feiffer won the Obie and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his first full-length play, Little Murders, in 1969. He lives and works in New York City.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by appointment. For further information, please contact Sarah Kaliski or Lindsey Walton at 312.440.0770.
Also, this bit about Mauldin's Lincoln cartoon was included separately:
The “WEEPING LINCOLN,” by the great Bill Mauldin, is one of the most acclaimed and distinguished cartoons of the twentieth century. Drawn on November 23, 1963, the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the cartoon ran in commemoration the following day as the back page of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The cartoon captured the immediate emotional response to the president’s death as felt by millions of people around the world. The image remains unequivocal; a powerful tribute to this historic occasion.
Mauldin gave the original drawing of the “Weeping Lincoln” to Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, who later donated it to the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
Unknown to the world, the original metal plate used for printing was rescued from the refuse container by Mr. Ralph Otwell, Weekend News Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, and has been on the wall of his study for over forty years. Mr. Otwell brought the plate to Jean Albano Gallery in 2006, during their first exhibition of Bill Mauldin’s cartoons. It was an amazing discovery.
The Estate of Bill Mauldin, in association with Jean Albano Gallery, is privileged to offer a limited edition print of the “WEEPING LINCOLN,” hand-pulled from the original plate. This special edition is limited to ONLY 650 prints.
The “Weeping Lincoln” will be featured as part of the exhibition History Revealed: Jules Feiffer and Bill Mauldin, on display at Jean Albano Gallery from October 26, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
Jean Albano Gallery
215 West Superior Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610
312.440.0770 fax 312.440.3103
www.jeanalbanogallery.com
October 11, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Jean Albano Gallery is pleased to announce an exhibition, History Revealed, featuring work by famed cartoonists BILL MAULDIN and JULES FEIFFER. The show opens on Friday, October 26, 2007, and will run through Saturday, January 6, 2008. The gallery will host an opening reception on Friday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at 215 West Superior Street, Chicago. This exhibition will explore subtleties between the work of these two men, whose editorial cartoons continue to be socially and politically relevant. Original watercolor drawings, editorial cartoons, and Feiffer’s illustrations from The Long Chalkboard (2006) will be shown. In addition, new limited edition prints by Bill Mauldin will be featured, including a special limited edition printing of Mauldin’s iconic “Weeping Lincoln” image.
The late cartoonist BILL MAULDIN is remembered for his depiction of life in the trenches during World War II. Stationed in Europe during the war, Mauldin drew cartoons for the Stars and Strips featuring two infantrymen named Willie and Joe. In 1945, Mauldin won his first Pulitzer Prize, “for distinguished service as a cartoonist, as exemplified by the series entitled ‘Up Front with Mauldin.” Mauldin became staff cartoonist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1959. In the same year, he won his second Pulitzer for a cartoon entitled I won the Nobel Prize for Literature. What was your crime? In 1962, Mauldin moved to the Chicago Sun-Times, where he worked until his retirement in 1991. One of Mauldin’s most famous cartoons, depicting the statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial holding his head in his hands, appeared in the paper after the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963. Mauldin passed away at the age of 81 in 2003.
JULES FEIFFER is a legendary, multi-dimensional personality whose talent is reflected in his many endeavors, including his beautifully composed and engaging artwork. In 2003, Feiffer was honored with a solo exhibition, Julz Rulz: Inside the Mind of Jules Feiffer, at the New York Historical Society. In addition, Feiffer’s most recent play, A Bad Friend, was commissioned by and performed at Lincoln Center, New York in summer, 2003. Jules Feiffer is known for his internationally syndicated cartoon strip, which ran for 40 years in The Village Voice and as a monthly feature in The New York Times. He is the author of over 35 books, including the children’s books By the Side of the Road, (2002) and I Lost My Bear (1998). He has written film scripts, among them Popeye (1980) and Carnal Knowledge (1971), and won an Academy Award for Munro (1960), an animated cartoon based on his story. Feiffer won the Obie and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his first full-length play, Little Murders, in 1969. He lives and works in New York City.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, and Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, or by appointment. For further information, please contact Sarah Kaliski or Lindsey Walton at 312.440.0770.
Also, this bit about Mauldin's Lincoln cartoon was included separately:
The “WEEPING LINCOLN,” by the great Bill Mauldin, is one of the most acclaimed and distinguished cartoons of the twentieth century. Drawn on November 23, 1963, the day of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, the cartoon ran in commemoration the following day as the back page of the Chicago Sun-Times.
The cartoon captured the immediate emotional response to the president’s death as felt by millions of people around the world. The image remains unequivocal; a powerful tribute to this historic occasion.
Mauldin gave the original drawing of the “Weeping Lincoln” to Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy, who later donated it to the Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston.
Unknown to the world, the original metal plate used for printing was rescued from the refuse container by Mr. Ralph Otwell, Weekend News Editor for the Chicago Sun-Times, and has been on the wall of his study for over forty years. Mr. Otwell brought the plate to Jean Albano Gallery in 2006, during their first exhibition of Bill Mauldin’s cartoons. It was an amazing discovery.
The Estate of Bill Mauldin, in association with Jean Albano Gallery, is privileged to offer a limited edition print of the “WEEPING LINCOLN,” hand-pulled from the original plate. This special edition is limited to ONLY 650 prints.
The “Weeping Lincoln” will be featured as part of the exhibition History Revealed: Jules Feiffer and Bill Mauldin, on display at Jean Albano Gallery from October 26, 2007 through January 6, 2008.
Matt Wagner signing at Big Planet
I went to the Matt Wagner signing at Big Planet and bought a lot of books. I already had some of them in comics books, but it's easier to find compilations on the shelf. Matt was a real nice guy and I'm sure I'll get some photos from BP to post here. I've got some nice sketches in the books too!
How'd the other signings in town go?
How'd the other signings in town go?
Small Press Expo article
There's a good Small Press Expo article in the Express - this is too late for you to pick up a physical copy, but check out Scott's story. The print copy had a beautiful piece of art by Paul Hornschemeier - perhaps Scott can let us know if it's onlin.e
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Apparently this article on Cul de Sac will run in the Express
"Comics: A Week of Wry Laughs" by Scott Rosenberg, Express, Posted at 12:00 AM on October 11, 2007.
Why isn't Cul de Sac in the Post?
Beats me. Supposedly they bought it.
I'd encourage you all to write to comics@washpost.com.
Here's the note I sent today:
So, what are we all waiting for? Perhaps you can drop 'Watch Your Head' which sadly never fulfilled its promise. Or finally put 'Peanuts' out of its misery.
Michael Rhode
Arlington, VA
I'd encourage you all to write to comics@washpost.com.
Here's the note I sent today:
So, what are we all waiting for? Perhaps you can drop 'Watch Your Head' which sadly never fulfilled its promise. Or finally put 'Peanuts' out of its misery.
Michael Rhode
Arlington, VA
ICAF announces presenter refused admission to US
Tom Spurgeon was informed of this by chair Marc Singer. From the ICAF website (emphasis in the original):
Panel 5: The theory and practice of comics studies
Moderated by Charles Hatfield, ICAF Executive Committee
Ernesto Priego, “The Tell-Tale Smell of Burning Paper: ‘Logic of Form’ and the Origin of Comics”
Benjamin Woo, “An Age-old Problem: Problematics of Comic Book Historiography”
Joseph Witek, “American Comics Criticism and the Problem of Dual Address”
Ernesto Priego is unable to present his paper at ICAF because he has been denied entry into the United States of America. The U.S. government has not renewed his visa, nor have they given him any explanation why he will not be allowed into the country. ICAF protests this refusal of entry, part of a recent and disturbing trend of excluding foreign scholars, as an infringement on academic freedom.
Marc Singer expands on it a little more at his blog.
Panel 5: The theory and practice of comics studies
Moderated by Charles Hatfield, ICAF Executive Committee
Ernesto Priego, “The Tell-Tale Smell of Burning Paper: ‘Logic of Form’ and the Origin of Comics”
Benjamin Woo, “An Age-old Problem: Problematics of Comic Book Historiography”
Joseph Witek, “American Comics Criticism and the Problem of Dual Address”
Ernesto Priego is unable to present his paper at ICAF because he has been denied entry into the United States of America. The U.S. government has not renewed his visa, nor have they given him any explanation why he will not be allowed into the country. ICAF protests this refusal of entry, part of a recent and disturbing trend of excluding foreign scholars, as an infringement on academic freedom.
Marc Singer expands on it a little more at his blog.
Oct 12 signings - new Feiffer one!
The Small Press Expo starts at 2 pm of course. See http://www.spxpo.com/
Politics and Prose, Friday, October 12, 10:30 a.m.
KATE FEIFFER and JULES FEIFFER **CHILDREN’S EVENT**
HENRY THE DOG WITH NO TAIL (Paula Wiseman, $16.99)
All of his dog friends have tails, and Henry wants one too. Inspired by Kate’s own tailless Australian Shepherd, Henry, and wonderfully illustrated by Kate’s father, Jules Feiffer, this is an understated, humorous dog tale. Ages 2-5
Writer's Center (Bethesda):
An evening with Washington Post cartoonist Richard Thompson (whose strip "Cul-de-Sac" appears in the Washington Post Magazine, and "Richard's Poor Almanac" in the Style section). Thompson, who is going into national syndication this month, will talk about how he finds and develops ideas and will share samples of work in process.
Date/Time 10/12/2007 [7:30 PM to 9:30 PM]
Event Type Special Event
Venue/Room Bethesda, Room: Reading Room
Capacity 80 spaces
Politics and Prose Friday, October 12, 9 p.m.
Coffee and Donuts with Zippy
BILL GRIFFITH
ZIPPY: Walk a Mile in My Muu-Muu (Fantagraphics, $18.95)
Zippy’s elusive creator Bill Griffith is in town for the Small Press Expo. Due to a delay at the printer, Bill Griffith’s new collection, Walk a Mile in My Muu-Muu, will not be available at the event, although he will be discussing it. His previous Zippy collections will be available for purchase. You will be able to sign-up for a signed copy of the new collection at the event, and we will contact you when they are printed. Coffee and donuts will be provided during the event.
Politics and Prose, Friday, October 12, 10:30 a.m.
KATE FEIFFER and JULES FEIFFER **CHILDREN’S EVENT**
HENRY THE DOG WITH NO TAIL (Paula Wiseman, $16.99)
All of his dog friends have tails, and Henry wants one too. Inspired by Kate’s own tailless Australian Shepherd, Henry, and wonderfully illustrated by Kate’s father, Jules Feiffer, this is an understated, humorous dog tale. Ages 2-5
Writer's Center (Bethesda):
An evening with Washington Post cartoonist Richard Thompson (whose strip "Cul-de-Sac" appears in the Washington Post Magazine, and "Richard's Poor Almanac" in the Style section). Thompson, who is going into national syndication this month, will talk about how he finds and develops ideas and will share samples of work in process.
Date/Time 10/12/2007 [7:30 PM to 9:30 PM]
Event Type Special Event
Venue/Room Bethesda, Room: Reading Room
Capacity 80 spaces
Politics and Prose Friday, October 12, 9 p.m.
Coffee and Donuts with Zippy
BILL GRIFFITH
ZIPPY: Walk a Mile in My Muu-Muu (Fantagraphics, $18.95)
Zippy’s elusive creator Bill Griffith is in town for the Small Press Expo. Due to a delay at the printer, Bill Griffith’s new collection, Walk a Mile in My Muu-Muu, will not be available at the event, although he will be discussing it. His previous Zippy collections will be available for purchase. You will be able to sign-up for a signed copy of the new collection at the event, and we will contact you when they are printed. Coffee and donuts will be provided during the event.
Oct 11 book signings
As Charlie Brown would say - AAARRRRGGGGHHHH! I'll be doing the Matt Wagner one, I think.
Matt Wagner will be at a 25th Anniversary of Grendel signing at Big Planet Bethesda on October 11, from 5-7 pm.
Nick Abadzis will be signing his new book, Laika, on the Russian space dog at Big Planet College Park, 5-7 pm
Douglas Wolk - Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean, Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 07:00 PM at Olsson's Books & Records-Dupont Circle, 1307 19th St. NW, (202) 785-1133.
SPEAKING AT THE DC JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, Thursday, Oct. 11, 7:30 PM, 1529 16th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036; Cost: $8/$6 member; Rutu Modan speaks about and signs her graphic novel Exit Wounds.
Kim Deitch (Alias The Cat) and Cartoonists With Attitude with Ted Rall, Jen Sorensen and Keith Knight will have a joint signing event including a slide presentation about their respective works. Date: October 11; Time: 7PM; Location: Barnes and Nobles Bethesda 4801 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD.
Matt Wagner will be at a 25th Anniversary of Grendel signing at Big Planet Bethesda on October 11, from 5-7 pm.
Nick Abadzis will be signing his new book, Laika, on the Russian space dog at Big Planet College Park, 5-7 pm
Douglas Wolk - Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean, Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 07:00 PM at Olsson's Books & Records-Dupont Circle, 1307 19th St. NW, (202) 785-1133.
SPEAKING AT THE DC JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, Thursday, Oct. 11, 7:30 PM, 1529 16th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20036; Cost: $8/$6 member; Rutu Modan speaks about and signs her graphic novel Exit Wounds.
Kim Deitch (Alias The Cat) and Cartoonists With Attitude with Ted Rall, Jen Sorensen and Keith Knight will have a joint signing event including a slide presentation about their respective works. Date: October 11; Time: 7PM; Location: Barnes and Nobles Bethesda 4801 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
So who's going to SPX, what day, and want to get together?
I plan on being there around opening time on Friday, depending on how soon I can get away from work. I'm not sure about Saturday yet, but I'm hopeful. Anybody else?
Takoma Park librarian on Yang's American Born Chinese
See "Children's Corner: Mild-mannered high school teacher channels Batman" by Karen MacPherson, Scripps Howard News Service Tuesday, October 09, 2007.
Monday, October 08, 2007
It's no wonder this editorial isn't signed
This editorial "Get a clue, Bruce", by The Washington DC Examiner Oct 8, 2007 conflates the threats against Fleming Rose for publishing the Danish Islam cartoons with Springsteen's opposition to the Iraq war. Cause and effect seem to be a problem here as America invaded two Muslim countries years before Rose published the cartoons AND ignoring the fact that it took six months of agitating to actually get anyone excited about the Islam cartoons. I wonder why this editorial feels that Freedom of Speech can be exported and supported by invasion. So I call it a crock.
Richard Thompson and the Big L
Since he's got his own blog, these mentions are becoming redundant, but check out this post for the Big L story.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-10-07
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-10-07
By John Judy
ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL.2 HC by Neil Gaiman and Too Many Art Gods to Mention. Collecting issues #21-39 of the classic series along with all kinds of extra goodies in an over-sized format worthy of the material. To paraphrase Robin Williams “Absolute Editions are God’s way of saying “You got too much money!””
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #3 of 6 by Peter Tomasi and Doug Mahnke. DC’s best-loved mass murderer fights Hawkman. Good thing the Big H is into reincarnation.
BLACK SUMMER #3 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. Bodies everywhere, super-heroes on the run, and a U.S. President in the morgue. The series that’s gonna get Ellis water-boarded in an undisclosed location. Read it before they burn down the comic stores! Not for kids. Recommended.
BOOSTER GOLD #3 by Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, and Dan Jurgens. Our Hero goes back to the Old West and meets Jonah Hex, as everyone who goes back to the Old West is wont to do. If you miss HBO’s “Deadwood” this will just remind you how bad it hurts. It’s a time-travel story that doesn’t suck. Recommended.
CAPTAIN CARROT AND THE FINAL ARK #1 of 3 by Bill Morrison and Scott Shaw! The anthropomorphic JLA is back and the they brought The Funny with ‘em! It might be possible to read this book sober but I wouldn’t advise it. Gotta look!
EC ARCHIVES: VAULT OF HORROR VOL.1 HC by The Elder Gods of Horror. Collecting the first six issues from 1950-51. Twenty-four spine-tingling, subversive tales with a foreward by R.L. Stine. You must own this book. Highly recommended.
FANTASTIC FOUR #550 by Dwayne McDuffie and Paul Pelletier. Somebody in Marvel Editorial really wants us to care about a minor character named “Gravity.” It’s time to let it go, Somebody. We’re just not that into him. Also guest-starring the Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange, pre- or post- “Civil War.” Can’t tell anymore.
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #24 by J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada. “One More Day”, chapter two of the Aunt may death-watch can be found here.
GARTH ENNIS CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD SC by GE and Jacen Burrows. A rollicking good six issues of blasphemy from Ireland’s favorite son. Featuring a brain-damaged Rasta Jesus, a talking rabbit, and an Aussie Pope. It’s great, but absolutely NOT FOR KIDS. Recommended.
GREEN LANTERN #24 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Hal’s still fighting the Sinestro Corps War but this issue features one of those classic “Screwed-Up Statue of Liberty” covers that have been a staple of fantasy adventure ever since Charlton Heston had the worst walk on the beach ever in “Planet of the Apes.”
I KILLED ADOLF HITLER GN by Jason. Okay, what if a hitman traveled back in time to kill Hitler but somehow Hitler got away and came to the future? Wouldn’t it have made those “Back to the Future” movies way more interesting? Especially if the crazy actor who played George McFly got to play Hitler? From Fantagraphics.
NEW AVENGERS #35 by Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Yu. Something bad appears to happen to Tigra the Were-Woman beyond being named “Tigra the were-Woman.” Guest-starring “Wol-Venom-Rine” if we are to believe the cover.
PUNISHER #51 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. How hard is it to get a sitter if the Barracuda’s got your baby? Looks like a seriously dark story-line even by Garth Ennis standards. NOT for kids.
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12 by Matt Fraction and Ariel Olivetti. Frank puts on a insane exo-skeleton super-suit and fights aliens in this “World War Hulk” cross-over. Because isn’t that what the Punisher’s all about?
RUNAWAYS #28 by Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan. Your semi-annual dose of Joss Whedon-y goodness can be found here! Lotsa twists and turns in yet another of the few time-travel stories that doesn’t suck. Recommended.
SIMON DARK #1 by Steve Niles and Scott Hampton. Gotham City has a new guardian creature of the night. Okay, it’s kind of like opening next to a Wal-Mart, but the creative team is amazing. Gotta look.
SUPERMAN #668 by Kurt Busiek and Rick Leonardi. “The Third Kryptonian” story-line begins here, although because the mystery-supe is a new character he or she should properly be called “The 6th or 7th Kryptonian.” Of course that doesn’t sound as cool…
WOLVERINE #58 by Marc Guggenheim and Howard Chaykin. Did you know that every time Logan gets really messed up his soul goes to heaven to fight an angel who hides his real name in an anagram? See? This is why you’re not part of Marvel’s on-going “Who Can Write the Stupidest Wolverine Story EVER?!” contest.
WONDER WOMAN #13 by Gail Simone and Terry & Rachel Dodson. At long last we have Gail Simone writing this title! Between that and the Dodsons’ art we are looking at this week’s Must-Read. Recommended.
X-FACTOR #24 by Peter David and Pablo Raimondi. Wrapping up the latest story of the latest guy who wants to kill all the mutants.
X-MEN DIE BY THE SWORD #1 of 5 by Chris Claremont and Juan Santacruz. Don’t let the title fool you. It’s “Excalibur Meets the Exiles.” Recommended for people with easy access to whiskey and guns with one bullet. Five issues, dear god….
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
ABSOLUTE SANDMAN VOL.2 HC by Neil Gaiman and Too Many Art Gods to Mention. Collecting issues #21-39 of the classic series along with all kinds of extra goodies in an over-sized format worthy of the material. To paraphrase Robin Williams “Absolute Editions are God’s way of saying “You got too much money!””
BLACK ADAM THE DARK AGE #3 of 6 by Peter Tomasi and Doug Mahnke. DC’s best-loved mass murderer fights Hawkman. Good thing the Big H is into reincarnation.
BLACK SUMMER #3 of 7 by Warren Ellis and Juan Jose Ryp. Bodies everywhere, super-heroes on the run, and a U.S. President in the morgue. The series that’s gonna get Ellis water-boarded in an undisclosed location. Read it before they burn down the comic stores! Not for kids. Recommended.
BOOSTER GOLD #3 by Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, and Dan Jurgens. Our Hero goes back to the Old West and meets Jonah Hex, as everyone who goes back to the Old West is wont to do. If you miss HBO’s “Deadwood” this will just remind you how bad it hurts. It’s a time-travel story that doesn’t suck. Recommended.
CAPTAIN CARROT AND THE FINAL ARK #1 of 3 by Bill Morrison and Scott Shaw! The anthropomorphic JLA is back and the they brought The Funny with ‘em! It might be possible to read this book sober but I wouldn’t advise it. Gotta look!
EC ARCHIVES: VAULT OF HORROR VOL.1 HC by The Elder Gods of Horror. Collecting the first six issues from 1950-51. Twenty-four spine-tingling, subversive tales with a foreward by R.L. Stine. You must own this book. Highly recommended.
FANTASTIC FOUR #550 by Dwayne McDuffie and Paul Pelletier. Somebody in Marvel Editorial really wants us to care about a minor character named “Gravity.” It’s time to let it go, Somebody. We’re just not that into him. Also guest-starring the Silver Surfer and Dr. Strange, pre- or post- “Civil War.” Can’t tell anymore.
FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD SPIDER-MAN #24 by J. Michael Straczynski and Joe Quesada. “One More Day”, chapter two of the Aunt may death-watch can be found here.
GARTH ENNIS CHRONICLES OF WORMWOOD SC by GE and Jacen Burrows. A rollicking good six issues of blasphemy from Ireland’s favorite son. Featuring a brain-damaged Rasta Jesus, a talking rabbit, and an Aussie Pope. It’s great, but absolutely NOT FOR KIDS. Recommended.
GREEN LANTERN #24 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Hal’s still fighting the Sinestro Corps War but this issue features one of those classic “Screwed-Up Statue of Liberty” covers that have been a staple of fantasy adventure ever since Charlton Heston had the worst walk on the beach ever in “Planet of the Apes.”
I KILLED ADOLF HITLER GN by Jason. Okay, what if a hitman traveled back in time to kill Hitler but somehow Hitler got away and came to the future? Wouldn’t it have made those “Back to the Future” movies way more interesting? Especially if the crazy actor who played George McFly got to play Hitler? From Fantagraphics.
NEW AVENGERS #35 by Brian Michael Bendis and Leinil Yu. Something bad appears to happen to Tigra the Were-Woman beyond being named “Tigra the were-Woman.” Guest-starring “Wol-Venom-Rine” if we are to believe the cover.
PUNISHER #51 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. How hard is it to get a sitter if the Barracuda’s got your baby? Looks like a seriously dark story-line even by Garth Ennis standards. NOT for kids.
PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL #12 by Matt Fraction and Ariel Olivetti. Frank puts on a insane exo-skeleton super-suit and fights aliens in this “World War Hulk” cross-over. Because isn’t that what the Punisher’s all about?
RUNAWAYS #28 by Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan. Your semi-annual dose of Joss Whedon-y goodness can be found here! Lotsa twists and turns in yet another of the few time-travel stories that doesn’t suck. Recommended.
SIMON DARK #1 by Steve Niles and Scott Hampton. Gotham City has a new guardian creature of the night. Okay, it’s kind of like opening next to a Wal-Mart, but the creative team is amazing. Gotta look.
SUPERMAN #668 by Kurt Busiek and Rick Leonardi. “The Third Kryptonian” story-line begins here, although because the mystery-supe is a new character he or she should properly be called “The 6th or 7th Kryptonian.” Of course that doesn’t sound as cool…
WOLVERINE #58 by Marc Guggenheim and Howard Chaykin. Did you know that every time Logan gets really messed up his soul goes to heaven to fight an angel who hides his real name in an anagram? See? This is why you’re not part of Marvel’s on-going “Who Can Write the Stupidest Wolverine Story EVER?!” contest.
WONDER WOMAN #13 by Gail Simone and Terry & Rachel Dodson. At long last we have Gail Simone writing this title! Between that and the Dodsons’ art we are looking at this week’s Must-Read. Recommended.
X-FACTOR #24 by Peter David and Pablo Raimondi. Wrapping up the latest story of the latest guy who wants to kill all the mutants.
X-MEN DIE BY THE SWORD #1 of 5 by Chris Claremont and Juan Santacruz. Don’t let the title fool you. It’s “Excalibur Meets the Exiles.” Recommended for people with easy access to whiskey and guns with one bullet. Five issues, dear god….
www.johnjudy.net
The return of Von Allen
Von Allen was one of the first people to check out this blog, so even though he's Canadian, we're going to keep in touch with him. He wrote to me today to mention that he'd been interviewed about his recently completed graphic novel. See "AN UNKNOWN TAKES THE "ROAD TO GOD KNOWS…"" by Justin Jordan, Comic Book Resources, October 3, 2007. Von's taken a different route - promoting his graphic novel about schizophrenia before he finished it. I enjoyed the ashcan he handed out at SPX and am looking forward to the final book when he finds a publisher.
Jason Rodriguez interviewed by Newsarama
Local comics writer Jason Rodriguez is interviewed about his next project after Postcards. See "LIFE AFTER POSTCARDS: CATCHING UP WITH JASON RODRIGUEZ" by Zack Smith, Newsarama October 1, 2007.
Baltimore sessions on Jewish comic book creators
See "Jewish authors bring novels to life: McDaniel College hosts five-part discussion series on graphic novels" By Laura McCandlish, Baltimore Sun Reporter.
Richard Thompson attempts to fill all Post pages by himself, part deux UPDATED
Richard, in addition to the usual Cul de Sac strip in the Post's Magazine, has a piece on how to create a cartoon in the Style & Arts section. Giving away part of it, a hammer, a head and drumming might be involved. Richard's posted it on his blog too.
AND, he has a full-page illo for an Achenbach article about open houses later in the Magazine as well.
Chilling, isn't it?
AND, he has a full-page illo for an Achenbach article about open houses later in the Magazine as well.
Chilling, isn't it?
Saturday, October 06, 2007
Richard's Poor Almanack blogs in paper
Richard's panel today makes fun of blogs and then gives the address of his new, and raaaather entertaining, blog.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Beeler, Herblock cartoons auctioned at Cartoons and Cocktails
See "Yeas & Nays: Cartoonists enjoy evening in the sun" by Jeff Dufour and Patrick Gavin, Washington Examiner October 5, 2007.
Nobody invited me as their date, so this is the first I've seen of this. Good work, Nate! Anybody who was there (Nate?) want to post a few details? The menu? Risque stories?
Nobody invited me as their date, so this is the first I've seen of this. Good work, Nate! Anybody who was there (Nate?) want to post a few details? The menu? Risque stories?
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Small Press Expo To Be Held October 12-13, with Special Guests Bill Griffith, Gilbert Hernandez, Rutu Modan, Matt Wagner, Jeff Smith and Kim Deitch
Small Press Expo To Be Held October 12-13, with Special Guests Bill Griffith, Gilbert Hernandez, Rutu Modan, Matt Wagner, Jeff Smith and Kim Deitch
Bethesda, Maryland; October 4, 2007 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, will hold its annual exposition from October 12 to October 13. This years exposition will again be held at the at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland across from the White Flint Metro.
This year’s slate of special guests include:
Bill Griffith, who is known world wide for his syndicated strip, Zippy The Pinhead, which runs daily in The Washington Post. He has a new Zippy collection out from Fantagraphics entitled “Zippy: Walk A Mile In MY Muu-Muu”. SPX is proud to have him make one of his rare convention appearances at this years show.
Jeff Smith, is the creator of the celebrated epic “Bone”, which has over a half million copies in print and is now available in Italian, Spanish, German and many other foreign languages. Jeff recently completed his critically acclaimed reworking of the Golden Age hero Captain Marvel, “Shazaam! The Monster Society of Evil” for DC Comics. He has recently been named by Fantagraphics as the art designer in charge of the upcoming reprints of Walt Kelly’s classic, “Pogo”.
Matt Wagner is one of the pioneers of indie comics with his original creation of “Grendel”, which celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Matt also created, wrote and drew “Mage”, and has worked on a number of projects for both DC and Vertigo. His next installment of the Grendel saga, “Behold The Devil” is due to be released this November from Dark Horse.
Gilbert Hernandez, whose Love and Rockets is considered one of the groundbreaking works in the history of comics, will be at SPX to promote his first graphic novel in four years, “Chance in Hell” from Fantagraphics.
Rutu Modan, one of the founders of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, will be at SPX with her first full length graphic novel entitled “Exit Wounds”, from Drawn & Quarterly.
Kim Deitch will be at SPX to promote his well received latest graphic novel, “Alias The Cat” from Pantheon Books. Kim is one of the original “underground” cartoonists who redefined comics in the 1960’s and has also worked in the field of animation.
There will be a full two day session of Creator Spotlights, where each of the above special guests and others will have a live 1 hour interview session, in addition to a number of panels and workshops on the comic arts.
As in previous years, there will be an exposition hall with over 300 creators and publishers, where attendees can buy the latest in commix and graphic novels, as well as interact with the exhibitors.
SPX will be open to the public from 2 pm - 8 pm, Friday, October 12 and 10am - 7 pm Saturday, October 13. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 11th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The awards will be held Saturday evening at 9PM and is open to all SPX attendees for free. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.
As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.
Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and more than 2000 fans together to celebrate the art of storytelling.
Bethesda, Maryland; October 4, 2007 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, will hold its annual exposition from October 12 to October 13. This years exposition will again be held at the at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland across from the White Flint Metro.
This year’s slate of special guests include:
Bill Griffith, who is known world wide for his syndicated strip, Zippy The Pinhead, which runs daily in The Washington Post. He has a new Zippy collection out from Fantagraphics entitled “Zippy: Walk A Mile In MY Muu-Muu”. SPX is proud to have him make one of his rare convention appearances at this years show.
Jeff Smith, is the creator of the celebrated epic “Bone”, which has over a half million copies in print and is now available in Italian, Spanish, German and many other foreign languages. Jeff recently completed his critically acclaimed reworking of the Golden Age hero Captain Marvel, “Shazaam! The Monster Society of Evil” for DC Comics. He has recently been named by Fantagraphics as the art designer in charge of the upcoming reprints of Walt Kelly’s classic, “Pogo”.
Matt Wagner is one of the pioneers of indie comics with his original creation of “Grendel”, which celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Matt also created, wrote and drew “Mage”, and has worked on a number of projects for both DC and Vertigo. His next installment of the Grendel saga, “Behold The Devil” is due to be released this November from Dark Horse.
Gilbert Hernandez, whose Love and Rockets is considered one of the groundbreaking works in the history of comics, will be at SPX to promote his first graphic novel in four years, “Chance in Hell” from Fantagraphics.
Rutu Modan, one of the founders of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, will be at SPX with her first full length graphic novel entitled “Exit Wounds”, from Drawn & Quarterly.
Kim Deitch will be at SPX to promote his well received latest graphic novel, “Alias The Cat” from Pantheon Books. Kim is one of the original “underground” cartoonists who redefined comics in the 1960’s and has also worked in the field of animation.
There will be a full two day session of Creator Spotlights, where each of the above special guests and others will have a live 1 hour interview session, in addition to a number of panels and workshops on the comic arts.
As in previous years, there will be an exposition hall with over 300 creators and publishers, where attendees can buy the latest in commix and graphic novels, as well as interact with the exhibitors.
SPX will be open to the public from 2 pm - 8 pm, Friday, October 12 and 10am - 7 pm Saturday, October 13. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 11th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The awards will be held Saturday evening at 9PM and is open to all SPX attendees for free. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.
For further information on the artists or to request an interview, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.
As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at
http://www.cbldf.org/.
Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and more than 2000 fans together to celebrate the art of storytelling.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Two minor bits
Today's Express gave The Jungle Book dvd a glowing review. The article's not online.
And in the Post's Food section, the Palm, the restaurant chain with local caricatures got a write-up with a photograph of said caricatures, and the photograph actually is online.
And in the Post's Food section, the Palm, the restaurant chain with local caricatures got a write-up with a photograph of said caricatures, and the photograph actually is online.
OT: Oct 15: Pekar at Walsh University in North Canton, OH
Some readers may have noticed I've asked about a couple of Harvey Pekar interviews. That's because I'm compiling a book of them for the University of Mississippi Press. I think it's far enough along that mentioning it won't jinx it, and besides I wanted to post my friend Mark Roger's flier about Harvey's appearance. Note the FREE appearance at 7:30 PM on OCTOBER 15 at WALSH UNIVERSITY in NORTH CANTON, OHIO.
Harvey's pretty darned entertaining in person actually, and a nice guy. Everyone reading this blog, say within 8 hours drive, should go.
Anybody wondered about Thingpart in the City Paper?
Yeah, me too. Namely why they waste the ink to print it. And, "For this they dropped Ted Rall?" But here's an interview with the cartoonist - "Cartoonists, craftspeople do it themselves," by Christina Troup, The San Francisco? Examiner Oct 3, 2007
2007 Festival of Cartoon Art adds Pope, Roth and Saylor to line-up
Off-topic, I know, but... I'm going! Anyone else? Besides Jenny Robb of the library asked me to let people know that there's still time to sign up.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2007
2007 Festival of Cartoon Art adds Pope, Roth and Saylor to line-up
October 25-27, 2007
The Cartoon Research Library is pleased to announce the addition of Paul Pope, Arnold Roth and David Saylor to its list of speakers for the 2007 Festival of Cartoon Art: Graphic Storytelling. Spaces are currently still available, but please note that participants must make their hotel reservations by October 14th in order to receive the amazing rate of only $109 per night. Registration forms are available at http://cartoons.osu.edu/FCA2007/site/registration.php.
Paul Pope’s career spans alternative comics, manga, superhero comics, and graphic design. Pope is the creator of the comic book series, THB, begun in 1995. He worked for Japan’s leading manga publisher, Kodansha, for 5 years, and has published several graphic novels including The One Trick Rip-off and Heavy Liquid.
Arnold Roth is an award-winning free-lance cartoonist and illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous publications including the New Yorker, TIME, Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Punch, the New York Times, and many more. Roth will join the Remembering Milton: A Gathering of Friends panel.
David Saylor is Vice President and Creative Director for Scholastic Books. In addition to designing the U.S. editions of the Harry Potter series, he is the creative director for Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint, Graphix. Saylor joins the panel of graphic novel publishers.
In addition, we are sorry to announce that Jules Feiffer, Guy Delisle and Mark Siegel have had to cancel and will not be appearing at the Festival.
About the Festival: The ninth triennial Festival of Cartoon Art organized by the Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus. Attendees will enjoy presentations by top cartoonists, scholars and comics professionals on the art of graphic storytelling. Registration is $150 (only $25 for students and seniors 65 and over!) and includes admission to all Festival of Cartoon Art Forum presentations and special pre-conference events, the exhibit catalogue for Milton Caniff: American Master and School of Caniff, morning refreshments and lunch at the Renaissance Hotel on both Forum days, a special exhibit reception at The Ohio State University, and a souvenir tote bag.
For an updated schedule, please see our website: http://cartoons.osu.edu.
For further information or images contact cartoons@osu.edu or telephone 614-292-0538.
###
Contact: Lucy Caswell
023L Wexner
27 W. 17th Avenue Mall
Columbus OH 43210-1393
614-292-0538
cartoons@osu.edu
www.cartoons.osu.edu
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2007
2007 Festival of Cartoon Art adds Pope, Roth and Saylor to line-up
October 25-27, 2007
The Cartoon Research Library is pleased to announce the addition of Paul Pope, Arnold Roth and David Saylor to its list of speakers for the 2007 Festival of Cartoon Art: Graphic Storytelling. Spaces are currently still available, but please note that participants must make their hotel reservations by October 14th in order to receive the amazing rate of only $109 per night. Registration forms are available at http://cartoons.osu.edu/FCA2007/site/registration.php.
Paul Pope’s career spans alternative comics, manga, superhero comics, and graphic design. Pope is the creator of the comic book series, THB, begun in 1995. He worked for Japan’s leading manga publisher, Kodansha, for 5 years, and has published several graphic novels including The One Trick Rip-off and Heavy Liquid.
Arnold Roth is an award-winning free-lance cartoonist and illustrator whose work has appeared in numerous publications including the New Yorker, TIME, Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Punch, the New York Times, and many more. Roth will join the Remembering Milton: A Gathering of Friends panel.
David Saylor is Vice President and Creative Director for Scholastic Books. In addition to designing the U.S. editions of the Harry Potter series, he is the creative director for Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint, Graphix. Saylor joins the panel of graphic novel publishers.
In addition, we are sorry to announce that Jules Feiffer, Guy Delisle and Mark Siegel have had to cancel and will not be appearing at the Festival.
About the Festival: The ninth triennial Festival of Cartoon Art organized by the Ohio State University Cartoon Research Library will be held at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus. Attendees will enjoy presentations by top cartoonists, scholars and comics professionals on the art of graphic storytelling. Registration is $150 (only $25 for students and seniors 65 and over!) and includes admission to all Festival of Cartoon Art Forum presentations and special pre-conference events, the exhibit catalogue for Milton Caniff: American Master and School of Caniff, morning refreshments and lunch at the Renaissance Hotel on both Forum days, a special exhibit reception at The Ohio State University, and a souvenir tote bag.
For an updated schedule, please see our website: http://cartoons.osu.edu.
For further information or images contact cartoons@osu.edu or telephone 614-292-0538.
###
Contact: Lucy Caswell
023L Wexner
27 W. 17th Avenue Mall
Columbus OH 43210-1393
614-292-0538
cartoons@osu.edu
www.cartoons.osu.edu
Nick Galifianakis on Post chat
Earlier today, the Post had "Tell Me About It: The Art; Nick Galifianakis, Illustrator." Wednesday, October 3, 2007 which consisted of
Nick Galifianakis, who illustrates Carolyn Hax's Tell Me About It advice column, will be online Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. ET to field questions and comments about his work and the column's new daily appearance in The Post.
The article also linked to this 2001 chat, with Nick and his ex-wife. with whom he's still working, discussing their divorce.
"Tell Me About It" Hosted by Carolyn Hax, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, Nov. 9, 2001
Nick Galifianakis, who illustrates Carolyn Hax's Tell Me About It advice column, will be online Wednesday, Oct. 3, at 1 p.m. ET to field questions and comments about his work and the column's new daily appearance in The Post.
The article also linked to this 2001 chat, with Nick and his ex-wife. with whom he's still working, discussing their divorce.
"Tell Me About It" Hosted by Carolyn Hax, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, Nov. 9, 2001
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Astro City review
Howard University professor Marc Singer has a nice piece on Kurt Busiek's Astro City up.
Bendis interview in Express
For Brian Michael Bendis's take on Halo and the comic book resulting from it, see "The Empire Strikes Back: 'Halo: Uprising'" by Scott Rosenberg, Express October 2, 2007.
Big Planet expands in College Park part 2
See "Liberty comics store becomes a Big Planet" by Rudi Greenberg, University of Maryland Diamondback 10/1/07. Tip courtesy of Richard Thompson.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Profile of Silent Devil Comics, Fairfax VA publishers
Tom Spurgeon caught this one - "Comic Books: A Family Affair: Fairfax family’s comic book business starting to take off," by Lauren Glendenning, Fairfax Connection September 26, 2007.
For Better or For Worse inspiration to speak in DC
Dave Astor's got the story in "Inspiration for Comic Character to Speak in D.C.," E&P Staff Online, October 01, 2007.
The article begins, The U.S. Department of State's Office of Civil Rights has asked Stephanie H. -- the inspiration for Shannon Lake in "For Better or For Worse"...
The article begins, The U.S. Department of State's Office of Civil Rights has asked Stephanie H. -- the inspiration for Shannon Lake in "For Better or For Worse"...
Sunday, September 30, 2007
cIndy Center interview - Senior Editor David Astor at Editor and Publisher
Chris Shields interviewed "Senior Editor David Astor at Editor and Publisher" for his cIndy Center podcast and posted it on September 25th, 2007. Hopefully a transcription of this will eventually appear in the International Journal of Comic Art as part of our pioneers of comics scholarship series.
Chris writes:
The 100th episode of the cIndyCenter.com podcast! Huge milestone! Our friend David Astor talks with us about the field of contemporary cartoonists. His work at "Editor and Publisher", both the online version and the monthly magazine, keeps him very busy. He shares his insights into the Syndicated Comic industry. This is an amazing interview and one that I am sure you will enjoy. Listen to the interview with David Astor.
Chris writes:
The 100th episode of the cIndyCenter.com podcast! Huge milestone! Our friend David Astor talks with us about the field of contemporary cartoonists. His work at "Editor and Publisher", both the online version and the monthly magazine, keeps him very busy. He shares his insights into the Syndicated Comic industry. This is an amazing interview and one that I am sure you will enjoy. Listen to the interview with David Astor.
Dec 8: DC Anime Club's Rumiko Takahashi Marathon
This one's way out timewise, but Chris sent it to me today, so up it goes. I haven't watched any of Takahashi's anime, but I love her manga.
DC Anime Club's Rumiko Takahashi Marathon
A tribute to the Princess of Manga
The DC Anime Club, an organization whose purpose is to educate the Washington, DC community about East Asian culture through the art form known as Anime (Japanese animation) will host a Marathon of Anime Films based upon the works by Rumiko Takahashi on Dec 8, 2007 from 12pm-5pm at the Martin Luthur King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 in Room A9. During the Marathon such anime as Maison Ikkoku, Lum, Ranma ½, Rumik Theatre and or course Inuyasha will be shown. Prizes will be given away during the Marathon and much more.
About Rumiko Takahashi: Rumiko Takahashi is a manga-ka (Japanese Comic Book artist) and is known to anime(Japanese Animation) fans for such Manga (Japanese Comics) as Inu Yasha,Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura(Lum). Over Takahashi's 20+ year career she has been considered the first major female to do work on boys comics, and has earned the title "The Princess of Manga".
About DC Anime Club: DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington, DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a
501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am.
DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in Arms) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information please visit the DC Anime Club website at http://www.dcanimeclub.org or call DC Anime Club at 202 262 2083.
# # #
-
Christopher Wanamaker
DC Anime Club President
http://www.dcanimeclub.org
202 262 2083
DC Anime Club's Rumiko Takahashi Marathon
A tribute to the Princess of Manga
The DC Anime Club, an organization whose purpose is to educate the Washington, DC community about East Asian culture through the art form known as Anime (Japanese animation) will host a Marathon of Anime Films based upon the works by Rumiko Takahashi on Dec 8, 2007 from 12pm-5pm at the Martin Luthur King, Jr Memorial Library 901 G St NW Washington, DC 20001 in Room A9. During the Marathon such anime as Maison Ikkoku, Lum, Ranma ½, Rumik Theatre and or course Inuyasha will be shown. Prizes will be given away during the Marathon and much more.
About Rumiko Takahashi: Rumiko Takahashi is a manga-ka (Japanese Comic Book artist) and is known to anime(Japanese Animation) fans for such Manga (Japanese Comics) as Inu Yasha,Ranma 1/2, Urusei Yatsura(Lum). Over Takahashi's 20+ year career she has been considered the first major female to do work on boys comics, and has earned the title "The Princess of Manga".
About DC Anime Club: DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington, DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a
501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are tax deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am.
DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in Arms) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information please visit the DC Anime Club website at http://www.dcanimeclub.org or call DC Anime Club at 202 262 2083.
# # #
-
Christopher Wanamaker
DC Anime Club President
http://www.dcanimeclub.org
202 262 2083
Bill Sienkiewicz interview part 2, in Times
Zadzooks ran part 2 of his Bill Sienkiewicz interview yesterday - "For illustrator, brush is mightier than word," Washington Times September 29, 2007, by Joseph Szadkowski .
Big Monkey Comics women-only reading group
The story's in today's Post - "Girl Power at Big Monkey Comics" by Jen Girdish, Washington Post Sunday, September 30, 2007; Page N04. Big Monkey Comics is on 14th St, NW, close to U St.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-03-07
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 10-03-07
By John Judy
ACTION COMICS #856 by Geoff Johns, Richard Donner, and Eric Powell. “Good-bye, it am Bizarro story, NOT by director of “Superman The Movie” and creator of “The Goon!” It am very serious by talentless creators! It am must-skip! Lowly recommended!”
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #7 by Brian K. Vaughan and Georges Jeanty. Faith’s gonna whack someone! “Five by five!” Recommended.
COUNTDOWN PRESENTS: THE SEARCH FOR RAY PALMER: CRIME SOCIETY #1 by Sean McKeever and Jamal Igle. Oh, where does one even begin….? Recommended for Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, and anyone else with an encyclopediac knowledge of DC continuity.
ESSENTIAL MOON KNIGHT VOL.2 SC by Various Folks. An oxymoron collecting issues 11-30 of the original canceled series. Okay, some of it looks great. The stuff by Miller and Sienkiewicz: “Woo!”
HARVEY CLASSICS RICHIE RICH VOL.2 SC by Various Creators. Hot on the heels of the “Friendliest Ghost You Know” comes your favorite “Poor Little Rich Boy!” No, not George Bush! Savor the early adventures of the kid with the best super-power ever: Money! Lots of it! Highly recommended!
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 of 4 by Ty Templeton and Juan Bobillo. It’s “American Splendor” if Harvey Pekar was a duck. Also starring MODOK. Everyone loves MODOK now. He’s coming back strong, you watch.
JLA/HITMAN #2 of 2 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. Part two of the story that reminds us of how much we miss the only “Bloodlines” character who didn’t suck. Tommy, we hardly knew ye. Recommended.
METAMORPHO YEAR ONE #1 of 6 by Dan Jurgens and Jesse Delperdang. A deluxe re-imagining of the DC’s hippest freak, the guy who can be anything except normal, Metamorpho, the Element Man! Gotta look!
MS. MARVEL #20 by Brian Reed and Aaron Lopresti. Our Heroine pimp-slaps that pimpy little pimp, The Puppet Master. Also featuring inner turmoil and ominous sub-plots. Fun stuff. Not for pimps.
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN #1 of 10 by Jonathan Lethem, Karl Rusnak, Farel Dalrymple, and Paul Hornschemeier. Okay, there’s a lot of cooks in this kitchen even without mentioning Omega creators Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes. It’s also not the prettiest book out there. That said, it is just too darn compelling not to read. Recommended for
fans who like material that’s off the beaten path.
QUESTION: ZEN AND VIOLENCE VOL.1 SC by Dennis O’Neil and Denys Cowan. Before he died of cancer and got replaced by a woman, Vic Sage had himself some times. Collecting the first six issues of this 80s kung-fu noir series. Very much worth a read.
SUPER-VILLIAN TEAM-UP: MODOK’S 11 #4 of 5 by Fred Van Lente and Francis Portela. The penultimate chapter in this caper story featuring actual capes! Okay, nobody has a cape, but they do have tights and it was a good line. Also a good comic. Recommended.
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PRESENTS: CYBORG SUPERMAN #1 by Alan Burnett and Patrick Blaine. DC’s doing an awful lot of “presenting” lately, don’t you think? In this case it’s the story of Superman’s most resilient and hard to draw foe: The Cyborg.
UNCANNY X-MEN #491 by Ed Brubaker and Salvador Larroca. People who live in a mansion versus people who live in a sewer. Guess who wins. Also, the Beast meets Doctor Strange and they discover how badly the Scarlet Witch has screwed up Steve Ditko’s art.
WOLVERINE ANNUAL: DEATHSONG #1 by Gregg Hurwitz and Marcelo Frusin. It takes real guts to try mixing a T.S. Eliot poem with a Wolverine story. This issue is blissfully set apart from all the disagreeable things currently being done with Logan and can best be enjoyed if you first have a look at “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Google it, kids. It’s all over the net for free. And it’ll put hair on ya. “Til human voices wake us, and we drown.” Recommended.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
ACTION COMICS #856 by Geoff Johns, Richard Donner, and Eric Powell. “Good-bye, it am Bizarro story, NOT by director of “Superman The Movie” and creator of “The Goon!” It am very serious by talentless creators! It am must-skip! Lowly recommended!”
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #7 by Brian K. Vaughan and Georges Jeanty. Faith’s gonna whack someone! “Five by five!” Recommended.
COUNTDOWN PRESENTS: THE SEARCH FOR RAY PALMER: CRIME SOCIETY #1 by Sean McKeever and Jamal Igle. Oh, where does one even begin….? Recommended for Kurt Busiek, Mark Waid, and anyone else with an encyclopediac knowledge of DC continuity.
ESSENTIAL MOON KNIGHT VOL.2 SC by Various Folks. An oxymoron collecting issues 11-30 of the original canceled series. Okay, some of it looks great. The stuff by Miller and Sienkiewicz: “Woo!”
HARVEY CLASSICS RICHIE RICH VOL.2 SC by Various Creators. Hot on the heels of the “Friendliest Ghost You Know” comes your favorite “Poor Little Rich Boy!” No, not George Bush! Savor the early adventures of the kid with the best super-power ever: Money! Lots of it! Highly recommended!
HOWARD THE DUCK #1 of 4 by Ty Templeton and Juan Bobillo. It’s “American Splendor” if Harvey Pekar was a duck. Also starring MODOK. Everyone loves MODOK now. He’s coming back strong, you watch.
JLA/HITMAN #2 of 2 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. Part two of the story that reminds us of how much we miss the only “Bloodlines” character who didn’t suck. Tommy, we hardly knew ye. Recommended.
METAMORPHO YEAR ONE #1 of 6 by Dan Jurgens and Jesse Delperdang. A deluxe re-imagining of the DC’s hippest freak, the guy who can be anything except normal, Metamorpho, the Element Man! Gotta look!
MS. MARVEL #20 by Brian Reed and Aaron Lopresti. Our Heroine pimp-slaps that pimpy little pimp, The Puppet Master. Also featuring inner turmoil and ominous sub-plots. Fun stuff. Not for pimps.
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN #1 of 10 by Jonathan Lethem, Karl Rusnak, Farel Dalrymple, and Paul Hornschemeier. Okay, there’s a lot of cooks in this kitchen even without mentioning Omega creators Steve Gerber and Mary Skrenes. It’s also not the prettiest book out there. That said, it is just too darn compelling not to read. Recommended for
fans who like material that’s off the beaten path.
QUESTION: ZEN AND VIOLENCE VOL.1 SC by Dennis O’Neil and Denys Cowan. Before he died of cancer and got replaced by a woman, Vic Sage had himself some times. Collecting the first six issues of this 80s kung-fu noir series. Very much worth a read.
SUPER-VILLIAN TEAM-UP: MODOK’S 11 #4 of 5 by Fred Van Lente and Francis Portela. The penultimate chapter in this caper story featuring actual capes! Okay, nobody has a cape, but they do have tights and it was a good line. Also a good comic. Recommended.
TALES OF THE SINESTRO CORPS PRESENTS: CYBORG SUPERMAN #1 by Alan Burnett and Patrick Blaine. DC’s doing an awful lot of “presenting” lately, don’t you think? In this case it’s the story of Superman’s most resilient and hard to draw foe: The Cyborg.
UNCANNY X-MEN #491 by Ed Brubaker and Salvador Larroca. People who live in a mansion versus people who live in a sewer. Guess who wins. Also, the Beast meets Doctor Strange and they discover how badly the Scarlet Witch has screwed up Steve Ditko’s art.
WOLVERINE ANNUAL: DEATHSONG #1 by Gregg Hurwitz and Marcelo Frusin. It takes real guts to try mixing a T.S. Eliot poem with a Wolverine story. This issue is blissfully set apart from all the disagreeable things currently being done with Logan and can best be enjoyed if you first have a look at “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Google it, kids. It’s all over the net for free. And it’ll put hair on ya. “Til human voices wake us, and we drown.” Recommended.
www.johnjudy.net
Saturday, September 29, 2007
OT: John Cuneo sketchbook page auction
John Cuneo's donated a page of a sketchbook for Fantagraphics to auction, presumably to pay legal bills. This message courtesy of Richard Thompson.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Seeing Redd - John Daniels's guest book review
The landmark sequel to the Looking Glass Wars will have the reader Seeing Redd.
By John L. Daniels Jr.
Seeing Redd
Writer: Frank Beddor
Publisher: Dial Penguin books
Artwork: Vance Kovacs (Front, Back cover, part 1 art)
Artwork: Steven Martiniere (Part 2 & 3 art)
Map design: Cold Open and Nate Barlow
While growing up, one may have a family member whom you may not get along with, or is not as sociable with the family. What if the family member was someone you trusted? The family member may be very close to your mother, so close as to be your mother’s sister, your Aunt.
Your Aunt is supposed to be the one who can take care of you in a time of need. Your Aunt is someone who can nurture you, guide you and even lend a helping hand in teaching. How disturbing would it be if she is the very one that wants you annihilated?
In this sequel to the Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd, now a New York Times best seller, is the must-read of the season. Read how a family member can be vengeful and compelling against her own niece.
In the first book the Looking Glass Wars, Alyss escaped from Wonderland with her bodyguard Hatter Madigan. Alyss returned to Wonderland to defeat her Aunt and banished her along with her assassin, The Cat, into the Heart Crystal.
In this sequel, the Aunt escapes the prison of the crystal maze within the Heart Crystal. Aunt Redd has the ultimate plan to recapture the throne of Wonderland. She has already killed Alyss’s loving parents and only Alyss remains of royal heirs to the throne besides Redd. If Aunt Redd can find Alyss, she'll carry out her sinister plan to kill Alyss and rule Wonderland once more as the last heir to the throne. Can Alyss keep control of her queendom along with her new bodyguard Homburg Molly? In addition, where is Hatter Madigan? He has not been seen anywhere in the surrounding lands of Wonderland.
Astonishing reading awaits with strong characterization, thrilling adventure, and mystery in this extraordinary tale of the battle of Wonderland.
This incredible book is written by Frank Beddor after the success of his first novel The Looking Glass Wars , also a best-selling book on the NY-Times bestseller list. Mr. Beddor also has written an award-winning comic book based on the novel: Hatter M by Desperado publishing and Image comics. What can this successful Hollywood producer possibly accomplish next?
I had an opportunity to interview Mr. Beddor at the launch of the comic Hatter M and The Looking Glass Wars. Check in soon for a new interview with a modern day genius about his new novel Seeing Redd.
The Battle for Wonderland, the assault of the Redd and the defending the power of White continues.
By John L. Daniels Jr.
Seeing Redd
Writer: Frank Beddor
Publisher: Dial Penguin books
Artwork: Vance Kovacs (Front, Back cover, part 1 art)
Artwork: Steven Martiniere (Part 2 & 3 art)
Map design: Cold Open and Nate Barlow
While growing up, one may have a family member whom you may not get along with, or is not as sociable with the family. What if the family member was someone you trusted? The family member may be very close to your mother, so close as to be your mother’s sister, your Aunt.
Your Aunt is supposed to be the one who can take care of you in a time of need. Your Aunt is someone who can nurture you, guide you and even lend a helping hand in teaching. How disturbing would it be if she is the very one that wants you annihilated?
In this sequel to the Looking Glass Wars, Seeing Redd, now a New York Times best seller, is the must-read of the season. Read how a family member can be vengeful and compelling against her own niece.
In the first book the Looking Glass Wars, Alyss escaped from Wonderland with her bodyguard Hatter Madigan. Alyss returned to Wonderland to defeat her Aunt and banished her along with her assassin, The Cat, into the Heart Crystal.
In this sequel, the Aunt escapes the prison of the crystal maze within the Heart Crystal. Aunt Redd has the ultimate plan to recapture the throne of Wonderland. She has already killed Alyss’s loving parents and only Alyss remains of royal heirs to the throne besides Redd. If Aunt Redd can find Alyss, she'll carry out her sinister plan to kill Alyss and rule Wonderland once more as the last heir to the throne. Can Alyss keep control of her queendom along with her new bodyguard Homburg Molly? In addition, where is Hatter Madigan? He has not been seen anywhere in the surrounding lands of Wonderland.
Astonishing reading awaits with strong characterization, thrilling adventure, and mystery in this extraordinary tale of the battle of Wonderland.
This incredible book is written by Frank Beddor after the success of his first novel The Looking Glass Wars , also a best-selling book on the NY-Times bestseller list. Mr. Beddor also has written an award-winning comic book based on the novel: Hatter M by Desperado publishing and Image comics. What can this successful Hollywood producer possibly accomplish next?
I had an opportunity to interview Mr. Beddor at the launch of the comic Hatter M and The Looking Glass Wars. Check in soon for a new interview with a modern day genius about his new novel Seeing Redd.
The Battle for Wonderland, the assault of the Redd and the defending the power of White continues.
Oct 11: Douglas Wolk at Olsson's
Richard Spooralmanack passed this along - I think it's probably up here already, just not singled out. I've got the book, but haven't started it yet.
Douglas Wolk - Reading Comics: How Graphic Novels Work and What They Mean
Thursday, October 11, 2007 at 07:00 PM at Olsson's Books & Records-Dupont
Circle, 1307 19th St. NW, (202) 785-1133
Suddenly, comics are everywhere: a newly matured art form, filling bookshelves with brilliant, innovative work and shaping the ideas and images of the rest of contemporary culture. Douglas Wolk illuminates the most dazzling creators of modern comics-from Alan Moore to Alison Bechdel to Dave Sim to Chris Ware-and introduces a critical theory that explains where each fits into the pantheon of art. Reading Comics is the first book for people who want to know not just what comics are worth reading, but also the ways to think and talk and argue about them. Douglas Wolk writes about comics and music for publications including the New York Times, Rolling Stone, the Washington Post, Salon, and The Believer.
Thomas Fleming, Washington caricaturist
I picked up a damaged copy of Around the Capital with Uncle Hank by Thomas Fleming, New York: Nutshell Publishing Co, 1902 yesterday.
Actually, the web says he studied worked at the New York Sun, New York World, and Commercial Advertiser, and the most famous of his cartoons was "Senator Tillman's Allegorical Cow" whatever that might have been.
In this book, every other page is a cartoon, usually a caricature of a large-headed politician, like the ones that follow, but he also did line illustrations that look influenced by Phil May. An example can be seen here in the Corcoran Gallery cartoon where the old maid is admiring the Venus de Milo's breasts; for those wondering, back in the Museum's early days it had lots of displays of casts of classical sculptures for study. Actually, I would like to see that come back as you get a tactical sense that photography and books can't convey. And the tyranny of the art world for the original object can get tiresome.
I have nothing to say about the sheep-hugger though.
.jpg)
Actually, the web says he studied worked at the New York Sun, New York World, and Commercial Advertiser, and the most famous of his cartoons was "Senator Tillman's Allegorical Cow" whatever that might have been.
In this book, every other page is a cartoon, usually a caricature of a large-headed politician, like the ones that follow, but he also did line illustrations that look influenced by Phil May. An example can be seen here in the Corcoran Gallery cartoon where the old maid is admiring the Venus de Milo's breasts; for those wondering, back in the Museum's early days it had lots of displays of casts of classical sculptures for study. Actually, I would like to see that come back as you get a tactical sense that photography and books can't convey. And the tyranny of the art world for the original object can get tiresome.
I have nothing to say about the sheep-hugger though.
.jpg)
Sept 29: Baltimore Book Festival - Comics Conversation
5:30 at Mount Vernon Place, at the Washington Monumenbt, near the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.
Paul Karasik, I Will Destroy All The Civilized Planets
Phil Yeh, Dinosaurs Across America
Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Steven Parke and Jonathan Scott Fuqua, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe
Also, there's a 'zine or "Mini-curated micro-books" section.
Paul Karasik, I Will Destroy All The Civilized Planets
Phil Yeh, Dinosaurs Across America
Jeff Kinney, Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Steven Parke and Jonathan Scott Fuqua, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe
Also, there's a 'zine or "Mini-curated micro-books" section.
World War II anti-malaria cartoon
We ran across this one in the collections of the National Museum of Health and Medicine yesterday.
Whither Clarabelle Cow?: 6 Semi-Forgotten Disney Characters
The Onion out today has an interesting article, "Whither Clarabelle Cow?: 6 Semi-Forgotten Disney Characters" by Noel Murray, Keith Phipps, Onion September 27, 2007. The expanded version online has eleven characters.
I believe Disney signed away Oswald the Rabbit, but that the company recently got him back by trading an ABC sportscaster. True fact!
I believe Disney signed away Oswald the Rabbit, but that the company recently got him back by trading an ABC sportscaster. True fact!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Richard Thompson: The Blog
You probably all missed the following buried in the comments; god knows I wouldn't read them if they weren't highlighted on the master control panel. Richard said yesterday:
Everybody please visit my blog and leave a comment. I'll be adding podcasts, interactive games, polls & unwanted popups for finding lost classmates.
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/
Now, my feeling is he's trying to get us to write his life in surburbia comic strip for him. So if you post any particularly funny stories, make sure to include a Paypal link so he can take care of you. I'm not sure why he's changed his name to Richard Spooralmanack, but it does have a ring to it.
Everybody please visit my blog and leave a comment. I'll be adding podcasts, interactive games, polls & unwanted popups for finding lost classmates.
http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/
Now, my feeling is he's trying to get us to write his life in surburbia comic strip for him. So if you post any particularly funny stories, make sure to include a Paypal link so he can take care of you. I'm not sure why he's changed his name to Richard Spooralmanack, but it does have a ring to it.
THE INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTS FORUM, OCT. 18-20
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC 20540
September 27, 2007
Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639, durschel@loc.gov
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TO HOST 12TH ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTS FORUM, OCT. 18-20
The Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress will host the 12th annual meeting of the International Comic Arts Forum (ICAF), which will feature the Malaysian cartoonist Lat, the versatile comic artist Kyle Baker and many comic art scholars from around the world.
The three-day forum starts at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, and ends at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Made possible by support from the Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, the forum is free and open to the public.
The first day of the conference will conclude with time to view two displays of cartoon art prepared by specialists from two divisions of the Library of Congress:
• “Treasures of Caricature Art,” selections of drawings and prints from the Library’s outstanding holdings of comic art, will be on view from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Prints and Photographs Reading Room, Room 339, on the third floor of the Madison Building. The display will be organized by division curators Sara W. Duke and Martha H. Kennedy.
• Cartoon art by Malaysian cartoonist Lat, selections from the Library’s holdings in the Asian Division, will be on view from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Asian Division Reading Room, Room 150 in the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., across the street from the Madison Building. The display will be organized by division Southeast Asian specialist Kathryn Wellen.
Lat (Mohammed Nor Khalid), the guest artist from Malaysia, will speak at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in the Mumford Room of the Madison Building. Comic artist Kyle Baker will speak at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, also in the Mumford Room. The gathering of ICAF will feature 20 presentations by scholars and experts in the study of comic arts.
A special panel discussion, “Iconophobia: Comics, Politics and the Power of the Image,” will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, at George Washington University’s Gelman Library. Cartoonists Lat and Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher, Robert Russell of the Cartoonists Rights Network International and others will participate in the panel, which will be moderated by Marc Singer.
For a list of event activities, visit www.internationalcomicartsforum.org.
# # #
PR07-195
9/27/07
ISSN: 0731-3527
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC 20540
September 27, 2007
Press contact: Donna Urschel (202) 707-1639, durschel@loc.gov
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS TO HOST 12TH ANNUAL MEETING
OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTS FORUM, OCT. 18-20
The Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress will host the 12th annual meeting of the International Comic Arts Forum (ICAF), which will feature the Malaysian cartoonist Lat, the versatile comic artist Kyle Baker and many comic art scholars from around the world.
The three-day forum starts at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 18, and ends at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Made possible by support from the Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, the forum is free and open to the public.
The first day of the conference will conclude with time to view two displays of cartoon art prepared by specialists from two divisions of the Library of Congress:
• “Treasures of Caricature Art,” selections of drawings and prints from the Library’s outstanding holdings of comic art, will be on view from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Prints and Photographs Reading Room, Room 339, on the third floor of the Madison Building. The display will be organized by division curators Sara W. Duke and Martha H. Kennedy.
• Cartoon art by Malaysian cartoonist Lat, selections from the Library’s holdings in the Asian Division, will be on view from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, in the Asian Division Reading Room, Room 150 in the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., across the street from the Madison Building. The display will be organized by division Southeast Asian specialist Kathryn Wellen.
Lat (Mohammed Nor Khalid), the guest artist from Malaysia, will speak at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in the Mumford Room of the Madison Building. Comic artist Kyle Baker will speak at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, also in the Mumford Room. The gathering of ICAF will feature 20 presentations by scholars and experts in the study of comic arts.
A special panel discussion, “Iconophobia: Comics, Politics and the Power of the Image,” will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, at George Washington University’s Gelman Library. Cartoonists Lat and Kevin “KAL” Kallaugher, Robert Russell of the Cartoonists Rights Network International and others will participate in the panel, which will be moderated by Marc Singer.
For a list of event activities, visit www.internationalcomicartsforum.org.
# # #
PR07-195
9/27/07
ISSN: 0731-3527
Sept 29: Nick Abadzis on Laika at Air and Space
Scott Rosenberg's got an interview with British cartoonist Nick Abadzis on his new book about the Soviet space dog. See "Animal Attraction: 'Laika' tells the story of a four-legged pawn of Cold War politics," Express (September 27, 2007): E7.
Abadzis will be speaking at the Air and Space Museum on Saturday at 12:45 and 2:30 pm, and signing his book too, I'm sure. I'll probably hit that after the National Book Festival's crowds drive me mad.
Abadzis will be speaking at the Air and Space Museum on Saturday at 12:45 and 2:30 pm, and signing his book too, I'm sure. I'll probably hit that after the National Book Festival's crowds drive me mad.
Big Planet October Events
Big Planet October Events
Oct 1-14 Back Issue Sale—50% off all back issues at our newest store, Big Planet College Park. That’s over 15,000 back issues all 50% off. Sale starts Monday OCT. 1st and ends OCT. 14th. Big Planet College Park ,7315 Baltimore Ave. , College Park, MD 20740. Phone 301.699.0498
Oct 11 Meet Nick Abadzis. Join creator Nick Abadis and Big Planet Comics in celebrating his newest book “Laika”,the story of the Russian dog sent into orbit.
He will be signing the book at our College Park Store Thursday Oct. 11th from 5pm to 7pm.
Also Oct 11 at our Bethesda store Matt Wagner will be celebrating 25 years of Grendel. Come meet him if you dare, 5pm to 7pm. Phone 301.654.6856.
And don’t forget the Small Press EXPO Oct. 12-13 at the Bethesda North Marriot. Come see Bill Griffith, Gilbert Hernandez, Jeff Smith and many many more. www.spxpo.com
Oct 1-14 Back Issue Sale—50% off all back issues at our newest store, Big Planet College Park. That’s over 15,000 back issues all 50% off. Sale starts Monday OCT. 1st and ends OCT. 14th. Big Planet College Park ,7315 Baltimore Ave. , College Park, MD 20740. Phone 301.699.0498
Oct 11 Meet Nick Abadzis. Join creator Nick Abadis and Big Planet Comics in celebrating his newest book “Laika”,the story of the Russian dog sent into orbit.
He will be signing the book at our College Park Store Thursday Oct. 11th from 5pm to 7pm.
Also Oct 11 at our Bethesda store Matt Wagner will be celebrating 25 years of Grendel. Come meet him if you dare, 5pm to 7pm. Phone 301.654.6856.
And don’t forget the Small Press EXPO Oct. 12-13 at the Bethesda North Marriot. Come see Bill Griffith, Gilbert Hernandez, Jeff Smith and many many more. www.spxpo.com
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Lost Book Club: 'Watchmen'
Haven't read it yet, but online today was "Lost Book Club: 'Watchmen'; A Monthly Dissection of the Books That Matter to 'Lost'-ophiles" by Jen Chaney, Liz Kelly and Jeff Jensen, washingtonpost.com Staff, Entertainment Weekly Staff Writer, Wednesday, September 26, 2007.
I've never watched Lost, but recommend Watchmen - definitely read it before the movie comes out.
I've never watched Lost, but recommend Watchmen - definitely read it before the movie comes out.
Richard Thompson's Acclaimed Comic Strip Cul de Sac Debuts on GoComics
Richard Thompson's Acclaimed Comic Strip Cul de Sac Debuts on GoComics
Wed Sep 26, 2007
The most recent addition to the GoComics neighborhood may be unfamiliar to some, but Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac is no ordinary "new comic strip on the block." Formerly a Washington Post Magazine weekly exclusive, Cul de Sac made its highly anticipated daily debut in syndication on September 10th, launching simultaneously at GoComics.com and in 70 U.S. newspapers.
Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- The most recent addition to the GoComics neighborhood may be unfamiliar to some, but Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac is no ordinary "new comic strip on the block." Formerly a Washington Post Magazine weekly exclusive, Cul de Sac made its highly anticipated daily debut in syndication on September 10th, launching simultaneously at GoComics.com and in 70 U.S. newspapers.
Cul de Sac is an all-ages comic strip that follows the everyday suburban life of preschooler Alice Otterloop. Thompson has surrounded Alice with a colorful supporting cast, including her perpetually down-trodden older brother Petey, wide-eyed and inquisitive fellow Blisshaven Preschoolers Beni and Dill, and Mr. Danders, the class guinea pig. The strip is characterized by Thompson's quirky, intelligent wit and distinct, sketch-style cartoon art.
Now that Cul de Sac has made its long-awaited launch into syndication, Thompson is looking forward to playing to a larger crowd.
"I'm proud and tickled to have moved into the neighborhood, among so many nice people, talking animals, zombies, babies & dancing bugs," said Thompson. "And I hope that those who pass through Cul de Sac slow down long enough to enjoy it, and watch out for the hidden entrances & children at play."
To say that Cul de Sac is hitting the ground running would be an understatement. The strip began in 2004 as a weekly feature in the Washington Post Magazine. In the nearly three years since, Cul de Sac has gained a large, loyal fan following, becoming one of the magazine's most-read features.
Thompson gained further momentum when he garnered an unsolicited endorsement from one of the most successful and notoriously reclusive cartoonists of the modern era. Bill Watterson, creator of the modern-classic comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, recently voiced his praise for Thompson's work.
"Thompson has a sharp eye, a fun sense of language and a charmingly odd take on the world," said Watterson. "Best of all, his drawings are wonderful -- something one doesn't often see in cartoons anymore. I'm delighted to see Cul de Sac, and I have high hopes that Thompson will bring a much-needed jolt of energy to the daily newspaper."
Those are lofty aspirations, but GoComics CEO Chris Pizey is confident that Cul de Sac will be a monumental hit with fans.
"Cul de Sac gets top marks for every standard one can apply to a comic strip," said Pizey. "Beyond the charming characters, the perfect pitch of the artwork and the clever dialogue, there's a unique spirit that infuses this strip -- a rare and unquantifiable quality that resonates strongly with readers. There may not be a perfect word for it, but Cul de Sac has it in abundance, and we're excited to bring it to a wider audience."
Fans can read the latest Cul de Sac strip at www.GoComics.com/culdesac. They can also sign up to receive each new installment in their email for free through GoComics, or have Cul de Sac emailed to them daily along with a customized collection of their favorite comics through MyComicsPage.com, a premium subscription service offered by GoComics.
About GoComics:
GoComics (www.gocomics.com) is the online distribution portal for uclick, a leading digital entertainment provider offering a broad mix of popular comic strips for the web and mobile phones. uclick delivers entertaining comics and games to hundreds of online clients, including major consumer and news portals such as Yahoo!, MSNBC.com, New York Times, washingtonpost.com, CNNi, USA Today and AOL. Their mobile division brings comic books, manga, illustration, photography, video and games to mobile consumers worldwide. Their feature lineup includes top brands such as Garfield, The Boondocks, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TOKYOPOP, USA Today, Pat Sajak, Mary Engelbreit, Wyland and many more. uclick's products are available through the GoComics website, top U.S. carriers and leading distributors worldwide.
uclick is a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, the leading syndicate and publisher of humor books and calendars in North America.
For more information on uclick, visit www.uclick.com.
###
uclick, LLC.
Josh Peres
816-360-6936
E-mail Information
Trackback URL: http://prweb.com/pingpr.php/UHJvZi1QaWdnLVN1bW0tTWFnbi1UaGlyLVplcm8=
Wed Sep 26, 2007
The most recent addition to the GoComics neighborhood may be unfamiliar to some, but Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac is no ordinary "new comic strip on the block." Formerly a Washington Post Magazine weekly exclusive, Cul de Sac made its highly anticipated daily debut in syndication on September 10th, launching simultaneously at GoComics.com and in 70 U.S. newspapers.
Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- The most recent addition to the GoComics neighborhood may be unfamiliar to some, but Richard Thompson's Cul de Sac is no ordinary "new comic strip on the block." Formerly a Washington Post Magazine weekly exclusive, Cul de Sac made its highly anticipated daily debut in syndication on September 10th, launching simultaneously at GoComics.com and in 70 U.S. newspapers.
Cul de Sac is an all-ages comic strip that follows the everyday suburban life of preschooler Alice Otterloop. Thompson has surrounded Alice with a colorful supporting cast, including her perpetually down-trodden older brother Petey, wide-eyed and inquisitive fellow Blisshaven Preschoolers Beni and Dill, and Mr. Danders, the class guinea pig. The strip is characterized by Thompson's quirky, intelligent wit and distinct, sketch-style cartoon art.
Now that Cul de Sac has made its long-awaited launch into syndication, Thompson is looking forward to playing to a larger crowd.
"I'm proud and tickled to have moved into the neighborhood, among so many nice people, talking animals, zombies, babies & dancing bugs," said Thompson. "And I hope that those who pass through Cul de Sac slow down long enough to enjoy it, and watch out for the hidden entrances & children at play."
To say that Cul de Sac is hitting the ground running would be an understatement. The strip began in 2004 as a weekly feature in the Washington Post Magazine. In the nearly three years since, Cul de Sac has gained a large, loyal fan following, becoming one of the magazine's most-read features.
Thompson gained further momentum when he garnered an unsolicited endorsement from one of the most successful and notoriously reclusive cartoonists of the modern era. Bill Watterson, creator of the modern-classic comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, recently voiced his praise for Thompson's work.
"Thompson has a sharp eye, a fun sense of language and a charmingly odd take on the world," said Watterson. "Best of all, his drawings are wonderful -- something one doesn't often see in cartoons anymore. I'm delighted to see Cul de Sac, and I have high hopes that Thompson will bring a much-needed jolt of energy to the daily newspaper."
Those are lofty aspirations, but GoComics CEO Chris Pizey is confident that Cul de Sac will be a monumental hit with fans.
"Cul de Sac gets top marks for every standard one can apply to a comic strip," said Pizey. "Beyond the charming characters, the perfect pitch of the artwork and the clever dialogue, there's a unique spirit that infuses this strip -- a rare and unquantifiable quality that resonates strongly with readers. There may not be a perfect word for it, but Cul de Sac has it in abundance, and we're excited to bring it to a wider audience."
Fans can read the latest Cul de Sac strip at www.GoComics.com/culdesac. They can also sign up to receive each new installment in their email for free through GoComics, or have Cul de Sac emailed to them daily along with a customized collection of their favorite comics through MyComicsPage.com, a premium subscription service offered by GoComics.
About GoComics:
GoComics (www.gocomics.com) is the online distribution portal for uclick, a leading digital entertainment provider offering a broad mix of popular comic strips for the web and mobile phones. uclick delivers entertaining comics and games to hundreds of online clients, including major consumer and news portals such as Yahoo!, MSNBC.com, New York Times, washingtonpost.com, CNNi, USA Today and AOL. Their mobile division brings comic books, manga, illustration, photography, video and games to mobile consumers worldwide. Their feature lineup includes top brands such as Garfield, The Boondocks, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, TOKYOPOP, USA Today, Pat Sajak, Mary Engelbreit, Wyland and many more. uclick's products are available through the GoComics website, top U.S. carriers and leading distributors worldwide.
uclick is a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, the leading syndicate and publisher of humor books and calendars in North America.
For more information on uclick, visit www.uclick.com.
###
uclick, LLC.
Josh Peres
816-360-6936
E-mail Information
Trackback URL: http://prweb.com/pingpr.php/UHJvZi1QaWdnLVN1bW0tTWFnbi1UaGlyLVplcm8=
Sept 30: new exhibit - ZAPP! Comic Books and the Arts.
This rolled in over the e-transom today; I'll try to make it on Sunday. Anyone else?
You're Invited!
Grand Opening and Dedication
VisArts at Rockville
Sunday Sept. 30th
Noon - 5pm
155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Grand Opening Schedule of Events:
Noon - VisArts Dedication in Rockville Town Square
12:30pm - A very unique ribbon cutting ceremony at the 155 Gibbs Street
entrance!
Official opening of the VisArts gallery featuring the
inaugural exhibition, ZAPP! Comic Books and the Arts
1:00-5:00pm - Education Sneak Peek! Meet the teachers, see artist
demonstrations, enjoy hands-on art activities, and find out more
about art classes for you and your family. Register in person and receive a free gift!
Visit Resident Artist studios. Featuring Karen Fricke, Fabric
Kathie Lynch & Eileen Martin, Glass
Bertrand Mao, Chinese Ink-brush
Pam Hill Byrne & Johnnie Gins, Jewelry
Lauren Hinds, Fabric/Sculpture
ZAPP! Comic Books and the Arts.
Kaplan Gallery: Comics in our Culture
Regional Gallery: The Beat Goes On
Children's Discovery Gallery: What's a Hero? What's a Villain?
Portfolio Gallery: Anime, Manga and You
Children's Imagination Stations! Look for Lola the Art Dog
Building Tours
Refreshments
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information please call the VisArts office ~ 301-315-8200
VisArts at Rockville ~ 155 Gibbs Street ~ Rockville, MD 20850
You're Invited!
Grand Opening and Dedication
VisArts at Rockville
Sunday Sept. 30th
Noon - 5pm
155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, Maryland 20850
Grand Opening Schedule of Events:
Noon - VisArts Dedication in Rockville Town Square
12:30pm - A very unique ribbon cutting ceremony at the 155 Gibbs Street
entrance!
Official opening of the VisArts gallery featuring the
inaugural exhibition, ZAPP! Comic Books and the Arts
1:00-5:00pm - Education Sneak Peek! Meet the teachers, see artist
demonstrations, enjoy hands-on art activities, and find out more
about art classes for you and your family. Register in person and receive a free gift!
Visit Resident Artist studios. Featuring Karen Fricke, Fabric
Kathie Lynch & Eileen Martin, Glass
Bertrand Mao, Chinese Ink-brush
Pam Hill Byrne & Johnnie Gins, Jewelry
Lauren Hinds, Fabric/Sculpture
ZAPP! Comic Books and the Arts.
Kaplan Gallery: Comics in our Culture
Regional Gallery: The Beat Goes On
Children's Discovery Gallery: What's a Hero? What's a Villain?
Portfolio Gallery: Anime, Manga and You
Children's Imagination Stations! Look for Lola the Art Dog
Building Tours
Refreshments
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information please call the VisArts office ~ 301-315-8200
VisArts at Rockville ~ 155 Gibbs Street ~ Rockville, MD 20850
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC 20540
September 25, 2007
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, and notification will occur in the spring.
The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon.
A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library’s extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work. Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.
Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico. The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D. Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility.
The applicant’s research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon. There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered. To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.
Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.
The Swann Foundation fellowship in caricature and cartoon is the only scholarly fellowship that provides direct support for continuing graduate research in the field. It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists’ work. For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members. The foundation’s activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.
# # #
PR07-189
9/25/07
ISSN: 0731-3527
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC 20540
September 25, 2007
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115
SWANN FOUNDATION ACCEPTING FELLOWSHIP APPLICATIONS
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2008-2009 academic year. Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, and notification will occur in the spring.
The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon.
A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library’s extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work. Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.
Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master’s or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico. The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D. Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility.
The applicant’s research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon. There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered. To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.
Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.
The Swann Foundation fellowship in caricature and cartoon is the only scholarly fellowship that provides direct support for continuing graduate research in the field. It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists’ work. For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.
The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members. The foundation’s activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.
# # #
PR07-189
9/25/07
ISSN: 0731-3527
Small Press Expo Announces the Slate of Programming Events for SPX 2007
Small Press Expo Announces the Slate of Programming Events for SPX 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail: webernard@spxpo.com
Bethesda, Maryland; September 25, 2007 - Small Press Expo is proud to announce its slate of programming events for SPX 2007. There will be a series of Creator Spotlights, providing a unique opportunity to learn and interact with the special guests at this years Expo. There will also be a series of panels and workshops to further probe the world of graphic novels and comics. Below are the descriptions and participants, which are subject to change, with exact dates and times forthcoming on the SPX web site at http://www.spxpo.com.
This years SPX will be held October 12 and October 13 at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland, across from the White Flint Metro stop on the Shady Grove Red Line.
For further information, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators.
SPX will be open to the public from 2 pm - 8 pm, Friday, October 12 and 10am - 7 pm Saturday, October 13. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 11th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX and will be held Saturday, October 13 at 9PM.
CREATOR SPOTLIGHTS
Bill Griffith - As an underground cartoonist, Bill Griffith created such characters as Mr. The Toad and Zippy the Pinhead, while co-editing the anthologies Young Lust and Arcade. Zippy has since "escaped into the real world" as the star of a syndicated daily newspaper strip, surely the oddest character to still roam that now staid realm. Over the course of an hour Griffith will deliver a heavily illustrated slideshow talk about his life and work to date.
Jeff Smith - Jeff Smith's Bone, a beautifully drawn black and white synthesis of Carl Barks and J. R. R. Tolkein, began as a self-publishing success story, drawing raves from all corners of the comics world. The series is now an international hit for young readers in its new incarnation as a series of full-color graphic novels from Scholastic. The artist will discuss his work in a special spotlight session with moderator Heidi MacDonald.
Kim Deitch - Underground comix veteran Kim Deitch continues to produce the best work of his career, most recently the graphic novels Alias the Cat and Shadowlands. His other books include The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Hollywoodland, and A Shroud for Waldo, and he has contributed to RAW, Weirdo, Zero Zero, Arcade, Esquire and McSweeney's. Over the course of an hour Deitch will discuss his most recent books, his career, his thoughts about art and comics, and his current works-in-progress.
Gilbert Hernandez - In 1982 Gilbert Hernandez and his brothers Jaime and Mario burst onto the comics scene with the publication of Love and Rockets #1. Since then Gilbert has spun out a vast, intergenerational saga detailing the lives, loves, and heartbreaks of the citizens of Palomar, a fictional Central American town, as well as challenging short-form work and a variety of stand-alone stories for various publishers. The prolific artist continues to challenge himself and his audience with new work in a variety of formats and genres, including the self-contained graphic novel Chance in Hell. Long-time friend and publisher Gary Groth will lead a discussion with the seminal artist.
Rutu Modan - Israeli cartoonist Rutu Modan is a co-founder of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, a group of Israeli cartoonists seeking to reach an international audience with accomplished, personal comics work. Her first graphic novel, Nobody Said It Was Going to Be Fun, was a collaboration with author and Actus collaborator Etgar Keret. Exit Wounds is her first full-length graphic novel to be published domestically in the United States.
Nick Abadzis - London-based cartoonist Nick Abadzis has worked in various areas of comics, including the British small press, Vertigo Comics, and 2000 AD, and has also drawn several children's books. Most recently he wrote and drew the graphic novel Laika, about the first living being to be sent into space. Abadzis will discuss the research intensive process behind his latest work.
C.F. - C.F. (aka Christopher Forgues) is the creator of the mini-comics series "Low Tides" and also performs musically as "Kites." His work has appeared in numerous anthologies including Paper Rodeo, Free Radicals and Kramers Ergot (including the wrap-around cover for that anthology's fifth volume). Dan Nadel, whose PictureBox publishing company has just published C.F.'s book Powr Mastrs, will lead a discussion with the artist.
MODERATED PANELS and WORKSHOPS
The State of Comics Criticism - Comics are getting more press than ever, but how good is the press? Is it too good? Do comics suffer from the lack of a vibrant critical milieu? Gary Groth (The Comics Journal), Tim Hodler (Comics Comic), Dan Nadel (Picturebox/Comics Comics), and Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) discuss in a conversation led by Bill Kartalopoulos.
Center for Cartoon Studies Workshop - Robyn Chapman joins us from the Center for Cartoon Studies, a two-year educational institution for budding cartoonists in White River Junction, Vermont. Robyn will talk about this unique school and will lead a hands-on cartooning workshop. No matter how little experience you have, you will leave this panel having drawn a comics page!
Inanimate Cartoons - Comics and animated cartoons are two distinct media which are often conflated. And yet, the two forms share similarities and share influences (including one another). Douglas Wolk will lead a discussion with Kim Deitch, Roger Langridge, Tom Neely and Jeff Smith about the points of overlap and points of distinction between these two media.
Nemo's Wake: Comic Stripping Today - More than 100 years after comics emerged as a mass medium in American newspapers, the comic strip survives. Bill Griffith (Zippy the Pinhead), Nicholas Gurewitch (The Perry Bible Fellowship), Keith Knight (The K Chronicles) and Ted Rall (Search and Destroy) discuss the strengths and struggles of drawing personal work in the comic strip form today, in venues ranging from the web to alternative newsweeklies to the traditional daily comics page. Josh Fruhlinger (The Comics Curmudgeon) moderates.
Top Shelf Tenth Anniversary Panel - Brett Warnock and Chris Staros reflect on ten years of their publishing house, Top Shelf Comics.
Fletcher Hanks Presentation - Paul Karasik examines the life and work of Fletcher Hanks, the obscure cartoonist whose mad visions of grim superheroic retribution saw print in the pages of second-rate comics in the earliest years of the comic book industry. Karasik will delve into the themes and imagery of Hanks' work and will answer the burning question: What ever happened to Fletcher Hanks?
The Generic and the Particular: Genre in Comics - For decades comics were dominated by a handful of genres, most notably superhero comics, to the point that the genre became identified with the medium. Underground comix inspired several generations of cartoonists who have utilized the medium for artistic, personal expression, often rejecting traditional genres in the process. More recently, independent cartoonists have begun to incorporate generic tropes into their work, while a new generation of critics have begun to reclaim older genre comics. Tim Hodler leads a discussion with Sammy Harkham, Gilbert Hernandez, Jon Lewis and Matt Wagner.
Graphic Not-Novels - As "graphic novels" dominate public perception of comics, where does that leave comics that are more structurally analogous to poetry? Or painting? Moderated by Isaac Cates, who will lead a discussion with a group of cartoonists whose work defies easy categorization.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail: webernard@spxpo.com
Bethesda, Maryland; September 25, 2007 - Small Press Expo is proud to announce its slate of programming events for SPX 2007. There will be a series of Creator Spotlights, providing a unique opportunity to learn and interact with the special guests at this years Expo. There will also be a series of panels and workshops to further probe the world of graphic novels and comics. Below are the descriptions and participants, which are subject to change, with exact dates and times forthcoming on the SPX web site at http://www.spxpo.com.
This years SPX will be held October 12 and October 13 at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland, across from the White Flint Metro stop on the Shady Grove Red Line.
For further information, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.
SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators.
SPX will be open to the public from 2 pm - 8 pm, Friday, October 12 and 10am - 7 pm Saturday, October 13. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.
SPX culminates with the presentation of the 11th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX and will be held Saturday, October 13 at 9PM.
CREATOR SPOTLIGHTS
Bill Griffith - As an underground cartoonist, Bill Griffith created such characters as Mr. The Toad and Zippy the Pinhead, while co-editing the anthologies Young Lust and Arcade. Zippy has since "escaped into the real world" as the star of a syndicated daily newspaper strip, surely the oddest character to still roam that now staid realm. Over the course of an hour Griffith will deliver a heavily illustrated slideshow talk about his life and work to date.
Jeff Smith - Jeff Smith's Bone, a beautifully drawn black and white synthesis of Carl Barks and J. R. R. Tolkein, began as a self-publishing success story, drawing raves from all corners of the comics world. The series is now an international hit for young readers in its new incarnation as a series of full-color graphic novels from Scholastic. The artist will discuss his work in a special spotlight session with moderator Heidi MacDonald.
Kim Deitch - Underground comix veteran Kim Deitch continues to produce the best work of his career, most recently the graphic novels Alias the Cat and Shadowlands. His other books include The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Hollywoodland, and A Shroud for Waldo, and he has contributed to RAW, Weirdo, Zero Zero, Arcade, Esquire and McSweeney's. Over the course of an hour Deitch will discuss his most recent books, his career, his thoughts about art and comics, and his current works-in-progress.
Gilbert Hernandez - In 1982 Gilbert Hernandez and his brothers Jaime and Mario burst onto the comics scene with the publication of Love and Rockets #1. Since then Gilbert has spun out a vast, intergenerational saga detailing the lives, loves, and heartbreaks of the citizens of Palomar, a fictional Central American town, as well as challenging short-form work and a variety of stand-alone stories for various publishers. The prolific artist continues to challenge himself and his audience with new work in a variety of formats and genres, including the self-contained graphic novel Chance in Hell. Long-time friend and publisher Gary Groth will lead a discussion with the seminal artist.
Rutu Modan - Israeli cartoonist Rutu Modan is a co-founder of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, a group of Israeli cartoonists seeking to reach an international audience with accomplished, personal comics work. Her first graphic novel, Nobody Said It Was Going to Be Fun, was a collaboration with author and Actus collaborator Etgar Keret. Exit Wounds is her first full-length graphic novel to be published domestically in the United States.
Nick Abadzis - London-based cartoonist Nick Abadzis has worked in various areas of comics, including the British small press, Vertigo Comics, and 2000 AD, and has also drawn several children's books. Most recently he wrote and drew the graphic novel Laika, about the first living being to be sent into space. Abadzis will discuss the research intensive process behind his latest work.
C.F. - C.F. (aka Christopher Forgues) is the creator of the mini-comics series "Low Tides" and also performs musically as "Kites." His work has appeared in numerous anthologies including Paper Rodeo, Free Radicals and Kramers Ergot (including the wrap-around cover for that anthology's fifth volume). Dan Nadel, whose PictureBox publishing company has just published C.F.'s book Powr Mastrs, will lead a discussion with the artist.
MODERATED PANELS and WORKSHOPS
The State of Comics Criticism - Comics are getting more press than ever, but how good is the press? Is it too good? Do comics suffer from the lack of a vibrant critical milieu? Gary Groth (The Comics Journal), Tim Hodler (Comics Comic), Dan Nadel (Picturebox/Comics Comics), and Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) discuss in a conversation led by Bill Kartalopoulos.
Center for Cartoon Studies Workshop - Robyn Chapman joins us from the Center for Cartoon Studies, a two-year educational institution for budding cartoonists in White River Junction, Vermont. Robyn will talk about this unique school and will lead a hands-on cartooning workshop. No matter how little experience you have, you will leave this panel having drawn a comics page!
Inanimate Cartoons - Comics and animated cartoons are two distinct media which are often conflated. And yet, the two forms share similarities and share influences (including one another). Douglas Wolk will lead a discussion with Kim Deitch, Roger Langridge, Tom Neely and Jeff Smith about the points of overlap and points of distinction between these two media.
Nemo's Wake: Comic Stripping Today - More than 100 years after comics emerged as a mass medium in American newspapers, the comic strip survives. Bill Griffith (Zippy the Pinhead), Nicholas Gurewitch (The Perry Bible Fellowship), Keith Knight (The K Chronicles) and Ted Rall (Search and Destroy) discuss the strengths and struggles of drawing personal work in the comic strip form today, in venues ranging from the web to alternative newsweeklies to the traditional daily comics page. Josh Fruhlinger (The Comics Curmudgeon) moderates.
Top Shelf Tenth Anniversary Panel - Brett Warnock and Chris Staros reflect on ten years of their publishing house, Top Shelf Comics.
Fletcher Hanks Presentation - Paul Karasik examines the life and work of Fletcher Hanks, the obscure cartoonist whose mad visions of grim superheroic retribution saw print in the pages of second-rate comics in the earliest years of the comic book industry. Karasik will delve into the themes and imagery of Hanks' work and will answer the burning question: What ever happened to Fletcher Hanks?
The Generic and the Particular: Genre in Comics - For decades comics were dominated by a handful of genres, most notably superhero comics, to the point that the genre became identified with the medium. Underground comix inspired several generations of cartoonists who have utilized the medium for artistic, personal expression, often rejecting traditional genres in the process. More recently, independent cartoonists have begun to incorporate generic tropes into their work, while a new generation of critics have begun to reclaim older genre comics. Tim Hodler leads a discussion with Sammy Harkham, Gilbert Hernandez, Jon Lewis and Matt Wagner.
Graphic Not-Novels - As "graphic novels" dominate public perception of comics, where does that leave comics that are more structurally analogous to poetry? Or painting? Moderated by Isaac Cates, who will lead a discussion with a group of cartoonists whose work defies easy categorization.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Bendis interview in Examiner
The Examiner snuck a small return to comics in today - they used to have 2 pages of strips AND 2 pages of weekly reviews - with a short interview with Brian Bendis on the Halo videogame. The online version is longer than the print one. See Jeremy Monken, "Believe in Bendis," Washington Examiner September 24, 2007, p 25.
Montreal Gazette's 1st editorial cartoonist dies, born in DC
The master of the gentle barb; The Gazette's First Editorial Cartoonist, John Collins preferred to draw a smile than blood with his pen" by ALAN HUSTAK, The Montreal Gazette Thursday, September 20.
Jeffrey Brown in today's Express
Sorry to be so late with this, but I was out of the office all day, and then buying new tires. Scott Rosenberg's in today's paper with, "Sincere intent to flatter: Jeffrey Brown's love of a toy spawned his need to satirize it", Express (September 24, 2007): 22. It's about Brown's Incredible Change-Bots, his 'Transformers' comic book. Not online though.
Guy Billout in Post magazine
The 9/23 Post Magazine had an article illustrated by Guy Billout - one of my favorites.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sept 29 - Gene Yang at National Book Festival
Yang, author of American Born Chinese, a National Book Finalist apparently has at least one other book out now. He's speaking in the Teens & Children's tent at 2:55 pm and signing at 4 pm. This is on the mall, between the main Smithsonian museums.
Interview with Amy Lago over Opus censorship controversy
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, September 20, 2007 had this interview with the Post's Amy Lago - "Unpacking the OPUS Controversy" by Tom Spurgeon.
Spotted by Dirk at Journalista.
I'm a regular contributor to the Fund.
Spotted by Dirk at Journalista.
I'm a regular contributor to the Fund.
Zadzooks interviews Bill Sienkiewicz
For an interview with Bill Sienkiewicz, see "Master of sequential art influences generations," by Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times, September 22, 2007.
Part two next week.
Part two next week.
New feature: QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS by John Judy
Many moons ago, probably when comics came out on Friday like they were meant to, John Judy worked at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda, and we'd run into each other every week. John moved to the other coast to pursue his acting career. He keeps his hands, and wit, in comics working at a store in Los Angeles called HiDeHO, and writing the following Quick Reviews which he's given me permission to post. So courtesy of John, and through the intermediary of Big Planet Comics, enjoy!
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-26-07
By John Judy
ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #7 by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold…”
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #3 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard. So you’ve just ripped the guts out of a beloved super-hero. Do you take it on the lam or just hope you get a Hollywood jury? Fun stuff from Kirkman. Not for younger kids.
ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE BOOK TWO #4 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Gang War, Astro-style! “Sweet Christmas!”
AVENGERS DEFENDERS WAR PREMIERE HC by Steve Englehart, Bob Brown, and Sal Buscema. One of the earliest big team cross-over fights and still one of the best. Beloved by Fan-Boys of A Certain Age. *sniff* Recommended for all ages.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #6 by Dan Slott and Steve Uy. A mystery at Camp Hammond with an ending you’ll never see coming. Dan Slott continues his rise in the Pantheon of must-read writers. Recommended.
BART SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR #13 by Various Folks. Tales to chill your funnybone from the good citizens of Springfield.
BATMAN #669 by Grant Morrison and JH Williams III. The Club of Heroes strikes back!
CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN #2 of 6 by David Morrell and Mitch Breitweiser. The creator of Rambo continues the story of America’s greatest “dead” hero.
CRIMINAL #9 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. “Counterfeit?!?” Highly recommended.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #9 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, and David Aja. The best Iron Fist series ever continues even though Our Hero gets slapped around by a fat guy.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST ANNUAL #1 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Howard Chaykin, and Dan Bereton. For lovers of the pulp adventure and completists of the latest series. Fun stuff.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #13 by Dwayne McDuffie and Joe Benitez. After everything that went on at Green Arrow’s wedding, you know the JLA’s looking to hand out some hurt. It happens here.
MARVEL ZOMBIES BOOK ANGELS DEMONS & MONSTROSITIES by Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe. What it sounds like, kids.
MARVEL ZOMBIES COLONEL AMERICA ACTION FIGURE. “He eats people and he’s missing half his head, heh, heh, heh…” Not for kids you care about.
PUNISHER PRESENTS BARRACUDA MAX SC by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. Collecting five issues of the most twisted boys adventure stories ever to come from the mind of Garth Ennis. Think about that. Not for kids.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS METAL MEN VOL.1 SC by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito. The earliest Silver-Age adventures of Doc Magnus and his robot creations can be found here. Recommended.
SPIRIT #10 written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Someone’s killing TV personalities and the Spirit has to pretend it’s a bad thing! Recommended.
WALKING DEAD VOL.7: CALM BEFORE SC by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Imagine trying to remember a Lamaze class you’ve never had after your hand’s been chopped off and you’re surrounded by flesh-eating zombies. Highly recommended. NOT for kids.
WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1 by Allan Heinberg and Friends. Wrapping up stuff from two years ago. At last!
X-MEN #203 by Mike Carey. Okay, any story where the Big Bad has a name like “Mister Sinister” is not my cup of meat. Still, the back-up story with Beast and Dark Beast is worth the price of admission. And yes, “Dark Beast” is a way cooler name than “Mister Sinister.” So is “Wavy Gravy” or “Urkel.”
Plus this week is PREVIEWS week from Diamond and Marvel Comics.
www.johnjudy.net
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 09-26-07
By John Judy
ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN THE BOY WONDER #7 by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold…”
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #3 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard. So you’ve just ripped the guts out of a beloved super-hero. Do you take it on the lam or just hope you get a Hollywood jury? Fun stuff from Kirkman. Not for younger kids.
ASTRO CITY THE DARK AGE BOOK TWO #4 by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. Gang War, Astro-style! “Sweet Christmas!”
AVENGERS DEFENDERS WAR PREMIERE HC by Steve Englehart, Bob Brown, and Sal Buscema. One of the earliest big team cross-over fights and still one of the best. Beloved by Fan-Boys of A Certain Age. *sniff* Recommended for all ages.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #6 by Dan Slott and Steve Uy. A mystery at Camp Hammond with an ending you’ll never see coming. Dan Slott continues his rise in the Pantheon of must-read writers. Recommended.
BART SIMPSONS TREEHOUSE OF HORROR #13 by Various Folks. Tales to chill your funnybone from the good citizens of Springfield.
BATMAN #669 by Grant Morrison and JH Williams III. The Club of Heroes strikes back!
CAPTAIN AMERICA CHOSEN #2 of 6 by David Morrell and Mitch Breitweiser. The creator of Rambo continues the story of America’s greatest “dead” hero.
CRIMINAL #9 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. “Counterfeit?!?” Highly recommended.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #9 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, and David Aja. The best Iron Fist series ever continues even though Our Hero gets slapped around by a fat guy.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST ANNUAL #1 by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, Howard Chaykin, and Dan Bereton. For lovers of the pulp adventure and completists of the latest series. Fun stuff.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #13 by Dwayne McDuffie and Joe Benitez. After everything that went on at Green Arrow’s wedding, you know the JLA’s looking to hand out some hurt. It happens here.
MARVEL ZOMBIES BOOK ANGELS DEMONS & MONSTROSITIES by Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe. What it sounds like, kids.
MARVEL ZOMBIES COLONEL AMERICA ACTION FIGURE. “He eats people and he’s missing half his head, heh, heh, heh…” Not for kids you care about.
PUNISHER PRESENTS BARRACUDA MAX SC by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. Collecting five issues of the most twisted boys adventure stories ever to come from the mind of Garth Ennis. Think about that. Not for kids.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS METAL MEN VOL.1 SC by Robert Kanigher, Ross Andru, and Mike Esposito. The earliest Silver-Age adventures of Doc Magnus and his robot creations can be found here. Recommended.
SPIRIT #10 written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Someone’s killing TV personalities and the Spirit has to pretend it’s a bad thing! Recommended.
WALKING DEAD VOL.7: CALM BEFORE SC by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Imagine trying to remember a Lamaze class you’ve never had after your hand’s been chopped off and you’re surrounded by flesh-eating zombies. Highly recommended. NOT for kids.
WONDER WOMAN ANNUAL #1 by Allan Heinberg and Friends. Wrapping up stuff from two years ago. At last!
X-MEN #203 by Mike Carey. Okay, any story where the Big Bad has a name like “Mister Sinister” is not my cup of meat. Still, the back-up story with Beast and Dark Beast is worth the price of admission. And yes, “Dark Beast” is a way cooler name than “Mister Sinister.” So is “Wavy Gravy” or “Urkel.”
Plus this week is PREVIEWS week from Diamond and Marvel Comics.
www.johnjudy.net
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Ann Telnaes, like Tom Toles, also lacking basic decency
An Insult to a Patriot
Washington Post Saturday, September 22, 2007; Page A15
I had to shake my head at the disrespectful cartoon depicting Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in a bikini and high heels, surfing on top of his campaign bus [Drawing Board, Sept. 15].
It seemed to be more than editorial misfeasance. It suggested to me purposeful nastiness that probably had your editorial board chuckling.
It was distasteful and shameful, and it seems clear that if the slight is focused on Republicans, then to heck with decorum and good taste.
Your arrogant paper obviously feels it can do whatever it wants without consequence. Whatever happened to real journalism and respect, in this case, for a man who has devoted his life in service to his country?
-- Christopher S. Moody
Gaithersburg
Obviously, the intent of the bikini was to compare Sen McCain's reinventing of himself with Britney Spears's performance flop in a bikini earlier in the month. The artist, unmentioned in the following rant, is Ann Telnaes of Washington, DC, who's won a Pulitzer Prize for her commentary. Comments on the letter can be seen by clicking through to the Post website.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Trying to find Richard Relkin, publisher of Comics Culture
I want to reprint a Harvey Pekar interview he did in the 1990s. In 1995, he was in Lexington, KY. Anyone know of him?
Geppi's Entertainment Museum news
The Star Wars exhibit is extended until early October - GEM reports, "The Force™ is with Us: 30 Years of Star Wars® opened June 23 and will run through October 7, 2007 due to overwhelming response. Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards is located at 301 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201. For additional details log on to www.geppismuseum.com or call 410-625-7060. Group tours are welcome, and admission is free to museum members."
Remember, they're having the launch of Arnold Blumberg's zombie book soon too. Everyone who reads this blog semi-regularly or more should visit this museum.
Also, they've made a promotion from within, which I reprint without comment:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date of release: Sept. 17, 2007
Melissa Bowersox named executive VP at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum
BALTIMORE – Melissa Geppi Bowersox has been appointed executive vice president at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards (a k a “GEM”). Previously, Bowersox served as director of Events & Special Promotions for the 17,000-square-foot pop culture mecca, providing critical expertise during the museum’s pre-launch and first year of operation.
In her new role, Bowersox will lead a team of experienced professionals in developing new programs and special events while at the same time overseeing both permanent and changing exhibits. Bowersox said an important goal is spreading the word to civic groups, schools and the travel and tourism industry that Baltimore has added yet another world-class museum to its atmospheric landscape – one that appeals to all ages.
“We have the location, the exhibits and the support of the community,” Bowersox said. “My goal is to raise GEM’s profile so it is recognized not only locally, but also on a national and international level as an outstanding destination for families, students and tour groups.”
Bowersox has had a lifelong passion for pop culture and her native Baltimore. The daughter of GEM’s founder and CEO, Stephen A. Geppi, she began working in the “family business” at age six. “In the early days, my dad had a comic book shop in the basement of a TV repair shop in one of the city’s suburbs,” Bowersox said. “I would go in on weekends, sweep up or count comic book bags, which used to sell for 100 for a dollar – someone had to count the bags. Even as I got older, I continued to work at his retail shops, eventually being ‘promoted’ to working behind the counter, handling subscription orders and assisting the customers.”
As her father’s commercial ventures grew and prospered, Bowersox was always there to pitch in and do her part, whether it was working summers in the back of the warehouse, collating orders for Geppi’s Diamond Comics, or later working as a receptionist for another Geppi firm, Diamond International Galleries.
Bowersox is particularly proud that she represents the first of the Geppi children to join her father’s businesses in an executive capacity. “I know that it was always my dad’s fondest wish that one of his children would want to be involved in his businesses, but he would not have thrust it upon anybody,” Bowersox said. “He wanted us to come to him and let him know if we were interested.” Bowersox recalled that the right moment came in February when she represented the Geppi companies at a major comic book industry event, the New York Comic-Con. “I saw all the people I recognized from my youth when I was working for my dad. I saw the excitement in their faces when they realized that a younger Geppi was involved now, and I realized the timing was perfect. I invited my dad to lunch and told him what I wanted to do, and he said, ‘This is what I’ve been waiting to hear. You’ve just made my day.’”
Steve Geppi remarked, “We are very pleased to have Melissa taking on these new duties at GEM. We look forward to her continued enthusiastic efforts to get the word out about the museum, its facilities, and what we have to offer.”
GEM’s president, John K. Snyder Jr., praised the patient, lifelong course Bowersox has followed en route to her new position with the museum. “Melissa has spent years studying the whole foundation of collecting, interacting with the people who collect and learning how the element of emotion fits into the hobby,” Snyder said. “She’s an idea person, very much like her father. She has taken the knowledge she acquired during the time she spent working in the gallery and watching how her father does things, and is now eminently capable of moving into this high-level position. She spent her time in the arena of learning – it was a baptism of fire, so to speak. Now she’s getting her chance and bringing in a fresh approach that we all wholeheartedly welcome.”
Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is located at Baltimore’s world-famous Camden Yards, immediately adjacent to Oriole Park and across the street from the Baltimore Convention Center. Its displays are arranged in a timeline fashion, incorporating pop-culture memorabilia from the late 18th century through contemporary times. Among the many characters permanently “residing” at GEM are Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, Howdy Doody, Betty Boop, Hopalong Cassidy, Elvis Presley and the original hand-made prototype of G.I. Joe.
To learn more about GEM, log on to www.geppismuseum.com. Tel. 410-625-7060 or
e-mail info@geppismuseum.com.
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