Friday, September 12, 2008

Geppi's Entertainment Museum sponsers mystery authors booksignings

Here's the article - "Geppi’s Entertainment Museum Welcomes Bouchercon" which lists a bunch of comic book writers appearing as well. Although it gives the details, In celebration of the arrival of Bouchercon XXXIX, the preeminent annual gathering of crime fiction authors, editors, artists, and fans, and in conjunction with Crimespree magazine, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum (GEM) will host a signing on Friday, October 10, 2008, from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, at the museum’s 301 West Camden Street facility in Baltimore, Maryland. the article doesn't say if you have to have signed up for Bouchercon or need to pay to get into the museum.

Also in Scoop, curator Arnold Blumberg talks about his UMD comics course.

NY Times on Frank Miller's latest

In "Arts, Briefly: A Superhero Glitch," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 12, 2008, he reports that DC has called for the destruction of shipped issues of All-Star Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder #10 due to language. Black bars were printed over top of Batgirl's profanity. Gustines says, "Unlike other series that are aimed at an older readership, this Batman title does not have a “Suggested for Mature Readers” label," but given the copy that I saw, DC wouldn't have published some of these words in any of their lines. This also begs the question of 'why letter them in, if you're going to suppress them?' It's not like they appear magically - somebody has to put them there and then sanitize them.

I rail against censorship in the comic strips in this blog, but there's only one word for Miller's writing here. Ridiculous.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Political cartoonist Chris Riddell at Aladdin's Lamp

Here's some pictures from Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart's excellent talk at Aladdin's Lamp bookstore in Arlington, VA. I bought a set of all their books and I'm looking forward to reading them after my daughter's done with them. Riddell is a cartoonist for the Observer of London. He drew a neat werewolf from their new book Barnaby Grimes: Curse of the Night Wolf while Stewart showed some of the props they carried over from England.

The link above has more photos (and check out the "talk" link), but here's a quick assortment showing the werewolf being drawn.

100_6119

100_6131

100_6139

and that's Our Man Thompson in the blue shirt. Riddle was very complimentary about the level of American comic strips compared to UK ones.

100_6145

Here's a couple more articles on Riddell from my Comics Research Bibliography:

Interview with David Fickling, saviour of the great British comic; For those of a certain age, comics are but a fond childhood memory, irrelevant to today's generation - until now. Tom Gatti meets the man behind the movement
Times 5/10/2008
http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/books/children/article3896701.ece

Interview with Edge Chronicles creators
Feb 4 2008 by Hilarie Stelfox, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
http://www.examiner.co.uk/leisure-and-entertainment/arts-news/2008/02/04/interview-with-edge-chronicles-creators-86081-20430934/

Drawn to the charms of an ogre: Chris Riddell celebrates the master storytelling on display in Claudia J Nahson's The Art of William Steig
Saturday March 15, 2008 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/reviews/childrenandteens/0,,2265542,00.html

Riddell at the Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/newsroom/story/0,,2238638,00.html#article_continue
This announcement has 3 links, including one to an audio interview.

Drawn, quartered ... and now hung; As the Observer's political cartoonist for 13 years, Chris Riddell has chronicled a tumultuous period in history - the reshaping of
post-communist Europe, the rise of New Labour, 9/11 and the Iraq war. On the eve of an exhibition of his work, he talks to Phil Hogan about the inspiration and method behind his polemical art, and chooses some of his favourites
Sunday January 27, 2008
The Observer
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,,2247375,00.html

From fantasy to satire. Elspeth Hyams talks to Chris Riddell
Cilip 29 November 2005
http://www.cilip.org.uk/publications/updatemagazine/archive/archive2005/december/interviewwithchrisriddell.htm

Through the Looking Glass: Tenniel did it, and so did EH Shepard. Chris Riddell, who does it himself, explains why political cartoonists who illustrate children's books have always fascinated him
Saturday July 9, 2005 The Guardian
http://books.guardian.co.uk/review/story/0,12084,1523520,00.html

More on Toles-quoting Obama speeches


Toles was contacted for this story and is quoted in it - "Obama Repeatedly Quotes Cartoonist While on Campaign Trail," by FOXNews.com, Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

1926 article on Clifford Berryman

Allan Holtz has reprinted a 1926 article on Washington Star cartoonist Clifford Berryman - "Cartoons Growing In Popularity Berryman Says; Washington Star Veteran Cites Government Officials and Congressmen Who Declare Powerful Cartoons Influence Po­litical Contests-Backs Them Against Humorous Writing," By Mary M. Crenshaw (E&P 5/29/26).

Marc Singer on the new Love & Rockets

See his review on his blog. I read the comic yesterday - I'm still not sure what to make of it. Jaime's artwork was lovely, but as surreal as his strips ever have been.

Emily Flake on how-to books

Presumably in the current hardcopy as well, but see Drawing Blood: Lulu Eightball's Creator Sits Down With Instructional Tomes On How to Bring Comics to Life, By Emily Flake, Baltimore City Paper September 10 2008.

Scott Rosenberg on 9-11 book

Scott used to live here and write for the Express. He's off to the big city now (and has a chapter in my Pekar book). For his look at "American
Widow," written by Alissa Torres and drawn by Sungyoon Choi, see "9/11 book seeks to explain tragedy" By Scott A. Rosenberg, AM New York September 10, 2008. I bought a copy of the book today, but haven't looked at it yet.

Editor and Publisher on local cartoonists

Dave Astor's got a few articles on local guys. It's good to hear that Richard's got 200 papers - now he can't afford not to do the strip:

One Year and 200 Newspapers for Popular 'Cul de Sac' Comic
By E&P Staff
Published: September 10, 2008 3:32 PM ET

Obama Uses the Anti-McCain Words of a Tom Toles Cartoon
By E&P Staff
Published: September 09, 2008 4:56 PM ET

New Harvey Pekar Book Is Edited by ComicsDC Blogger Mike Rhode
By Dave Astor
Published: September 08, 2008 11:11 AM ET

KAL at DNC report, and appearing in Philadelphia


There's a vignette at "Going Gonzo at the DNC: A Journey Through Four Days of Political Madness," by James Burrus, Yellow Scene Magazine.

Kal also wrote in today:

Tickets are now on sale for "The Art of Satire" on October 7 at Philadelphia's fabulous Kimmel Art Center.

Sponsored by The Economist, the show features sketch comedy, interactive animation, live drawing lessons and more. Tickets are moving fast so I suggest that you book your reservations soon.

Go to http://artofsatire.economist.com/ for more information.

The show continues for two shows in New York November 1. Tickets go on sale soon.

Best

Kal
Kevin Kallaugher
kaltoons@comcast.net
www.Kaltoons.com


Matt Fraction at Laughing Ogre Comics

Come and Meet Matt Fraction!

Writer of Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova

September 13th, 12pm - 4pm
Lansdowne, VA

Matt Fraction, the writer of such notable titles as Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men and Casanova, will be signing at Laughing Ogre Comics Lansdowne on Saturday September 13, from Noon until 4:00 pm.

Mr. Fraction was kind enough to answer some questions for us about his writing and comics in general.

1. Which X-Men character is your favorite to write and why?

Right now, Cyclops. He's in an absolutely fascinating place right now, and it's just going to get more engaging as we go...

2. What makes your books different from the same titles five years ago?

Well, I think the X books are all discretely defined and each one has a unique identity and serves a function no other book in the X-line addresses. And, as you may have heard, there are "No more mutants." We're dealing with the X-Men in a time when they're not just sworn to protect a people that hates and despises them, but they're an endangered species. The future of humanity has been snuffed out. That's the spine of the X-Universe right now; that's the core of everything. And, for my money, that's a big turn from the epic and wonderful Morrison era, where there were millions and millions of mutants.

In terms of the Iron Man book, we're in the early days of a long reckoning for Tony Stark. He has a lifetime of sins that are going to demand atonement, regardless of whether he's ready or not. So Tony's on the precipice of a very brutal road...

3. Why was Tony right?

Was he?

4. What is the biggest difference between writing a team versus a solo book?

It's tricky making sure everyone has enough stage time in a team book; in a solo book, you can spend more quality time with your lead. There's a lot of balancing to be done in a team book...

5. Is continuity something to be embraced, or rewritten?

Neither; I think continuity is something to be respected but evolved. Consistency is the watchword.

We are very excited to have Matt Fraction in store! If you have any questions about the event, or need directions to our Lansdowne location, please email us at
norah@laughingogrecomics.com, or call (703) 437-9530.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

September 10: Junot Diaz at Politics and Prose

A third comics-related event tomorrow! Diaz was influenced by American comic books in his novel. This is at Politics and Prose. Unfortunately I don't think I'll make any of the three.

Wednesday, September 10, 7 p.m.
JUNOT DÍAZ
THE BRIEF WONDROUS LIFE OF OSCAR WAO (Riverhead, $14)
Díaz uses a mixture of Spanish and English to express the melting and melding that occurs when immigrants from the Dominican Republic meet New Jersey, USA. This splendid young Dominican-American writer has scored a home run with his zany, sweet, perceptive novel now appearing in paperback.

Tornoe spots Obama borrowing from Toles

Rob sent in this note and link to his blog:

Obama borrows line from Tom Toles cartoon

"Maybe what they're saying is, 'Watch out George Bush,'" Obama said with sarcasm, according to the Boston Globe. "Except for economic policies, and tax policies, and energy policies, and health care policies, and education policies, and Karl Rove-style politics -- except for all that, we're really going to bring change to Washington! We’re really going to shake things up!"

Great line. Too bad it came from Friday's cartoon by Washington Post cartoonist Tom Toles.

http://www.politicker.com/obama-borrows-line-tom-toles-cartoon

Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”

Small Press Expo Announces Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as Guests for “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”

For Immediate Release
Contact: Warren Bernard
Phone: 301-537-4615
E-Mail:webernard@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; September 9, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce Ted Rall, Ruben Bolling and Matt Wuerker as guests for the SPX 2008 special event, “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008”.

Ted Rall is the President-elect of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists (A.A.E.C.) and has traveled extensively to Central Asia. Author, ATTITUDE editor, cartoonist, columnist and sometime TV personality, Ted’s most recent book is “Silk Road to Ruin: Is Central Asia the New Middle East?” and his latest cartoon collection is, “America Gone Wild”. For more information on Ted Rall, visit his website at http://www.tedrall.com.

Ruben Bolling is the creator of the multi-faceted, multi-paneled social and political weekly strip, Tom The Dancing Bug. His most recent book is “Thrilling Tom The Dancing Bug Stories”. SPX is grateful that Ruben is making his first appearance at SPX in a number of years. Visit his web site at http://www.gocomics.com/tomthedancingbug/.

Matt Wuerker is the cartoonist and illustrator at Politico.Com and the weekly Politico newspaper. His cartoons and illustrations have been published by Smithsonian Magazine, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times and The Nation. You can see his cartoons at http://www.politico.com.

Ted, Ruben and Matt will join previously announced Tom Tomorrow and Lloyd Dangle at a special series of panels and interviews surrounding the state of political cartooning in this historic election year.

Additional guests will be added over the next few weeks, please stay tuned for those announcements.

The events surrounding “Outside Looking In: Alternative Political Cartooning in 2008” is included with the SPX admission fee of $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

SPX will be held Saturday, October 4 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, October 5 noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

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.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

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 and graphic novel festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and fans together to celebrate the art of visual storytelling.

Monday, September 08, 2008

OT: Langridge in Act-i-vate webcomix

Jim Dougan wrote in today: You may have seen this already, but as a fellow Langridge fan, and the local DC representative of webcomix collective ACT-I-VATE, you might want to know that he's joined up and will be dazzling us all with the new adventures of MUGWHUMP THE GREAT:

http://www.act-i-vate.com/60.comic

Roger talks about it at his blog here:

http://hotelfred.blogspot.com/2008/09/preee-sentinggg-mugwhump-great.html

Thanks for the tip, Jim! Sure, Roger's from New Zealand and lives in England, but DC's a state of mind, right? Unfortunately he won't be at SPX this year since he did HeroesCon earlier this year.

Speaking of IJoCA...

... today is founder, publisher and editor John Lent's 72nd birthday! Happy birthday, John!

Arthur Szyk in NY Times

Szyk was a Jewish cartoonist who fled to New York and did some awesomely hard-hitting propaganda during World War II. He was the subject of a couple of great exhibits in DC about five years ago too. This article discusses a new exhibit of his work in Germany -
"A Caricaturist, but No Funny Stuff Here," By MICHAEL KIMMELMAN, New York Times September 8, 2008.

I'll see if I can dig up my reviews of the exhibits for IJoCA and post them here later this week.

NY Times takes note of Google's Chrome McCloud comic

In "Archie and Jughead? No, Javascript," By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, New York Times September 8, 2008. Although I don't subscribe to it like I do the Times, the Daily News ran this today "Interview with Scott McCloud, artist behind Google Chrome comic," BY PATRICK MONTERO, New York DAILY NEWS WRITER, Monday, September 8th 2008. Beyond Google spreading everywhere, this has nothing to do with DC, but you can read the comic here.

Annapolis Capital's publisher on For Better or For Worse

Oooh, there's a harsh opinion in "GONE TODAY, HERE TOMORROW," By TOM MARQUARDT, Publisher & Executive Editor, The Annapolis Capital Published September 07, 2008. Usually I just send you to the article, but I can't resist this quote:

"I guess Ms. Johnston's entrepreneurial attempt to ease herself into retirement without a loss of income - by interspersing a few new strips with old material - doesn't bother readers as much as it bothers editors asked to pay full price for the comic-page equivalent of reruns."

"How about rerunning sports results and County Council stories? Can't we all just get a grip and move on to another strip that has fresh story lines? Geesh, you guys are killing me."

Now, that's an editor.

Comic Riffs interviews Borgman

See "Interview With the Cartoonist: Jim Borgman of "Zits"," by Michael Cavna, September 8, 2008 for an interview with Jim Borgman, formerly of the Cincinnati Enquirer.