Quick Reviews for Comics Due 12-16-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 12-16-09

By John Judy

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #615 by Fred Van Lente and Javier Pulido.  The Sandman is the latest classic Spidey villain to get a revamp.  No matter what, it's gotta be better than that horrorshow going on in the Spidey newspaper strip.

 

ART OF STEVE DITKO HC edited by Craig Yoe.  What it says on the cover, kids.  Plus an intro by Stan "The Man" Lee.  Lots of amazing material plus tributes from Jerry Robinson, John Romita and P. Craig Russell.  Highly recommended.

 

ASTONISHING X-MEN #33 by Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez. That nice Mr. Ellis runs numerous things up a flagpole.  Writhing, squealing things that perhaps we'd better salute, lest he reach further into his bucket of stuff.  Phil Jimenez is a great artist.

 

BRAVE AND THE BOLD #30 by J. Michael Straczynski and Jesus Saiz.  Hal Jordan and Dr. Fate put some shmoe in the hurt box.

 

CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #5 of 6 by Ed Brubaker and Bryan Hitch.  Well, it certainly appears from all the other Marvel titles that Steve Rogers is back from the dead at last.  But don't you want to know how it happened?  And what the catch was?  Recommended.

 

CHIMICHANGA #1 of 3 written and drawn by Eric Powell.  From the creator of THE GOON, an all-new original series about a bearded girl, a traveling circus and a creature that knocks it all into a cocked hat.  It's Powell so this one is highly recommended.

 

DAREDEVIL #503 by Andy Diggle and Roberto De La Torre.  So if your best friend was presiding over a cult of crazed ninja assassins would you be worried?  Foggy Nelson is…

 

DARK AVENGERS #12 by Brian Bendis and Mike Deodato.  Norman Osborn's Avengers finally face a group even meaner, crazier and more dangerous than they are.  No, not the tea-baggers!  The Molecule Man and his crew.  It's gonna be a hootenanny!

 

EX MACHINA #47 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris.  Four issues away from the end of the series and Mayor Hundred's greatest foe is fixing things so the Great Machine doesn't live to see the finale!  Recommended.

 

GOON, VOL. 6: CHINATOWN & MYSTERY OF MR. WICKER SC written and drawn by Eric Powell.  The story of The Goon, from his carny trash beginnings to the leg-breaking Boss of Bosses he's become.  Awesome stuff.  Highly recommended.

 

HELLBLAZER #262 by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli.  Constantine's adventure in India continues as he is slowly reminded how the former colonies treat Englishmen.

 

HULK #18 by Jeph Loeb and Whilce Portacio.  Doc Samson is the baddest psychiatrist this side of Hannibal Lecter and he's just the beginning of "Fall of the Hulks!"

 

INCORRUPTIBLE #1 by Mark Waid and Jean Diaz.  The flip side to Waid's smash hit IRRIDEEMABLE, this is the story of a bad guy gone good.  Max Damage sees the horror wrought by a fallen superhuman and decides to change his evil ways.  Cool stuff.  Recommended.

 

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #40 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley. Black Lanterns galore in a heart-ripping throw-down that reminds us why some of these cats had to die.

 

MIGHTY AVENGERS #32 by Christos Gage and Khoi Pham.  Avengers: Dark versus Mighty.  Look whose name is on the comic, kids.

 

NEXT ISSUE PROJECT #2 (SILVER STREAK COMICS #24) by Various Image Boys.  A labor of love bringing back golden-age titles and characters in the public domain 63 years after their last appearance on the newsstands!  This one's got the daring "Silver Devil" (wink-wink), Silver Streak and Captain Battle!  All in a glorious, golden-age sized comic!  Gotta look!

 

ULTIMATE COMICS ARMOR WARS #3 of 4 by Warren Ellis and Steve Kurth.  Tony Stark versus all his suits of armor at once.  Boom!

 

UNDERGROUND #4 of 5 by Jeff Parker and Steve Lieber.  After the bat guano explosions and shoot-outs in the dark of previous issues what more surprises await our heroes in the underground?  Recommended.

 

X-FACTOR #200 by Peter David and Bing Cansino.  No, you didn't miss an issue or even 150 of them.  They just decided to renumber the series to reflect how many issues of a comic with this name have actually seen print.  Or is it how many artists Peter David has been through?  Honest to God, X-FACTOR has had more artists than Spinal Tap had drummers.  Anyway there's two story-lines here, one light, one heavy, something for everyone.  Recommended.

 

www.johnjudy.net

How to become a cartoonist in Washington, circa 1923

Mike Lynch has scans up of "How to become a cartoonist" Washington School of cartooning, 1923. The teacher is Will Chandlee, whose work I don't know, and there's a testimonial by Clifford Berryman.

Matt Wuerker's appearance at Newseum last weekend

Matt Wuerker spoke at the Newseum last weekend, and the talk was recorded and should be online eventually. In the meantime, Bruce Guthrie has put his photographs online.

This image is me on the left, and IDW's GI Joe artist Shannon Gallant on the right. I had just met Shannon, but I think we'll be doing an interview here with him after the holidays.

PR: RING IN THE NEW YEAR EARLY WITH MARVEL COMICS & THIRD EYE COMICS

RING IN THE NEW YEAR EARLY WITH MARVEL COMICS & THIRD EYE COMICS   

Marvel's New Year's Eve Eve Party to Take Place at THIRD EYE COMICS on December 30th, 2009

Stop in to receive exclusive FREE calendars, comics and more from Marvel Comics!

ANNAPOLIS, MD – THIRD EYE COMICS  in association with Marvel Comics is pleased to announce the official Marvel's New Year's Eve EVE Party all day Wednesday, December 30^th.   Fans of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Wolverine, and all things Marvel are invited to come in and celebrate the new year during this all-day event.  Among the giveaway items will be a free 2010 Marvel Super Hero calendar, Exclusive Avengers ID Cards to collect & trade, a free comic book - Origins of Siege – which features an all-new prologue  to the 2010's HOTTEST event by Brian Michael Bendis, and more!

"Marvel would like to thank everyone for making 2009 such a milestone year," says Marvel Senior Vice President of Sales and Circulation Publishing David Gabriel.  "As we wrap up our 70^th Anniversary, we wanted to partner with local comic book shops to show our gratitude and also wish everyone a safe, happy, and marvelous 2010!"  

Swing by THIRD EYE COMICS on December 30^th for your free giveaways at the Marvel New Year's Eve EVE party and make yours Marvel in 2010!

For more information contact:

THIRD EYE COMICS

45 OLD SOLOMONS ISL RD

ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401

410-897-0322

THIRDEYECOMICS@GMAIL.COM

WWW.THIRDEYECOMICS.COM

To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook

Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics).  Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR ARTWORK PLEASE CONTACT:
Arune Singh
MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
212-576-4061

 

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ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
(410)897-0322
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Post on 'The Princess and the Frog'

For some reason, some rocket scientist at the Post has movie reviews being combined - today's is Ann Hornaday mushing Invictus on rugby in South Africa with Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog'. I guess they fit togetherbecause they both have black people in them. I can't see any other logic.

The review - The colors of hope, By Ann Hornaday,Washington Post Friday, December 11, 2009.

The far longer 'what's it all meeeeaaannnnn?' article - After decades of snowy whites, black 'Princess' a true dream, By DeNeen L. Brown, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, December 11, 2009 - personally I'd use Mr. Natural's response.

Dec 11, 13: Tezuka Film Festival

At the Sackler Gallery...

FILMS OSAMU TEZUKA: GOD OF MANGA, FATHER OF ANIME 1001 NIGHTS Friday, December 11. 7 PM, Meyer Auditorium In person: Yoshihiro Shimizu, General Manager, Tezuka Productions   TEZUKA AND THE HISTORY OF ANIME Sunday, December 13. 2 PM, Meyer Auditorium In person: Yoshihiro Shimizu, General Manager, Tezuka Productions   (1001 Nights)

1050 Independence Ave. SW 202.633.1000 Metro: Smithsonian www.asia.si.edu publicaffairsAsia@si.edu

Warren Bernard's Herblock Lecture

Warren Bernard writes in:

I recently did a lecture at The Library of Congress on the cartoonist Herblock, incorporating a history of the art of the political cartoon. The lecture focuses on the work he did prior to coming to The Washington Post, a body of work that spanned 20 years of which little had been seen prior to the publication of "Herblock:The Life and Works of The Great Political Cartoonist". There is a DVD with this book that contains all 18,000 of his known cartoons, which I edited.

For those of you so disposed, here is the video of the lecture:

http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4768

Cartoonists' Christmas cards on display? UPDATED

An article in today's Express mentions cartoonists as being included in the Season's Greetings exhibit at the Archives of American Art in the American Art building on 9th and F Sts, NW. If anyone beats me to the exhibit, let us know who's in the show, since the website doesn't.

In the comments, we are informed (presumably by an AAA staff member):

Al Freuh
Ralph Fabri
Harry Haenigsen
Frances Foot
Janet LaSalle
Norman Kent
Everett Charles Hart
Michael Ponce de León
Boris Artzybasheff
Harrison Cady
Walt Kuhn
Ralph Barton
Ad Reinhardt

Politics and Prose Bookstores' best graphic literature of the year

Adam and the gang at Politics and Prose Bookstores have put up their list of best graphic literature of the year.

Dec 16: Michael Dirda at White Oak library

From the Politics and Prose newsletter. Dirda writes infrequently on comics, most recently on Herge.

Wednesday, December 16, 7 p.m.

The White Oak Library
11701 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD
MICHAEL DIRDA
CLASSICS FOR PLEASURE (Mariner Books, $15)
Michael Dirda, Pulitzer Prize-winning critic for The Washington Post, will appear at White Oak Library to discuss his latest book and his work as a literary critic. No registration is needed for this free event.

OT: Dark Horse Comics archive to Portland State University Library

Here's a good overview article on the 2008 donation of Dark Horse Comics archives to Portland State University Library.

(cross-posted to IJOCA's blog)

NPR's Weldon opines on motion comics

Wolverine Meets Ken Burns: The Motion Comic, Considered (And A Video Extra), By Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog December 9, 2009. I confess that I don't really see the point of them either.

Here's a bibliography on motion comics that will be part of the 500-page comic art bibliography making up IJOCA 11-3. Entries marked * are new and won't be in the print version.

Motion Comics
Albrecht, Chris. 2008. Comic Books Evolve, from Ink to Internet; Although print comics are still thriving, Marvel and DC Comics are getting a head start on finding digital outlets for their properties [motion comics]. Business Week (August 22): http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/aug2008/tc20080821_870628.htm?chan=top+news_top+news+index_technology

Associated Press. 2008. 'Peanuts' Goes Hi-tech With Animated Webisodes [motion comics]. Editor and Publisher Online (November 3):
http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/departments/syndicates/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003886371

Berlin, Leslie. 2008. The Comics Are Feeling the Pain of Print [newspaper comic strips, motion comics]. New York Times (December 28). Online at http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/business/media/28proto.html?partner=permalink&exprod=permalink

Binazeski, Peter. 2008. Warner Premiere's Motion Comics Launches with Highly Anticipated Debut Episodes of "Watchmen" and "Batman: Mad Love". Business Wire (July 18):
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/warner-premieres-motion-comics-launches/story.aspx?guid=%7BEAB68E13-FD5E-47E3-A816-CF56AAC2E700%7D&dist=hppr

Brady, Matt. 2008. SDCC 08: From Paul Levitz's Point of View [DC Comics, inc. Watchmen Motion Comic]. Newsarama (August 11): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/080811-SDCC08-Levitz.html

Brevoort, Tom. 2009. Marvel Hotline: Brevoort on Spider-Woman; Executive Editor Tom Brevoort gets us inside the next great phase in Marvel storytelling! [motion comics]. Marvel.com (August 19): http://marvel.com/news/comicstories.9234.Marvel_Hotline~colon~_Brevoort_on_Spider-Woman

Contino, Jennifer M. 2008. Michael Jantze On Creating Youtube's "How To" The Birds & The Biz [inc. motion comics]. Comicon's The Pulse (September 10): http://www.comicon.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=36;t=007463

Cruz, Gilbert. 2008. Stephen King, Ready for Download [motion comics]. Time (August 12): http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1832062,00.html

Franklin, Eric. 2008. New life for old Batman comic [motion comics]. CNET's Crave (December 9): http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10119457-1.html

Fritz, Steve. 2009. Animated Shorts: Watchmen Motion Comic, Black Freighter. Newsarama (March 17): http://www.newsarama.com/tv/090317-animated-shorts.html

Furey, Emmett. 2009. Katt, Folino & Pare Talk "Sparks" Motion Comic. Comic Book Resources (January 23): http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=19675

Goellner, Caleb. 2009. Talking with IDW's New ePublishing Director [motion comics]. Comic Book Resources (May 26): http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21347

Hudson, Laura. 2008. Paul Levitz Talks Digital Comics. Publishers Weekly’s PW Comics Week (August 26): http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6590126.html

Hudson, Laura. 2008. The Future Is Almost Now; Publishers are taking a close look at a variety of models—from the Web and mobile phones to iTunes and the Sony Reader—for the digital delivery of comics [motion comics]. Publishers Weekly (August 18): http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6587963.html

Hudson, Laura. 2009. Marvel Makes Motion Comics, DC Teases New Format. Publishers Weekly (February 9): http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6636198.html

Katt, William. 2009. William Katt Presents - Sparks on iTunes [iPod motion comics]. Newsarama (January 27):
http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?aid=25556

Kit, Borys. 2008. Batman, Superman get animated; Set for digital-motion treatment from Warners, DC [motion comics]. Hollywood Reporter (October 8): http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i7e19cce243eb21aa51690a063cbe5edf

Kit, Borys. 2009. Comic book icon signs with ICM; Neal Adams, Continuity Studios eye feature films [and motion comics]. Hollywood Reporter (August 3): http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3icaec2feffc977edc6bc9fc961255105d

Long, Geoffrey. 2008. Motion Comics: A State of the Art. Gutter Geek (October): http://www.guttergeek.com/page184/october2008/motioncomics/motioncomics.html

Mahadeo, Kevin. 2009. Marvel in motion: ‘Spider-Woman’ swings onto Web with new digital comics initiative. Wizard (210; April): 10-11

McBride, Sarah. 2008. Web Draws on Comics; Online Shorts Boost Batman [motion comics]. Wall Street Journal (July 18): B10. Online at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121634908179464605.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Moondaughter, Wolfen. 2009. Comix that Zzizzl: Dennis Morrison [motion comics]. Sequential Tart (August 10): http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1466

Phegley, Kiel. 2009. Giving Spider-Woman the Motion. Comic Book Resources (August 28):
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22724

Pizzolo, Matt. 2009. 'Motion Comics' vs 'Illustrated Films' - Analysis of Watchmen & Godkiller; Award-winning filmmaker Matt Pizzolo compares and contrasts the newest animation formats based on an analysis of Warner Premiere's Watchmen motion comics and Halo-8's Godkiller illustrated film. PRWEB (May 7): http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/05/prweb2394914.htm

Richards, Dave. 2009. Bendis Talks Spider-Woman [motion comic]. Comic Book Resources (August 19): http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=22595

Rogers, Vaneta. 2009. SDCC 09: The Future In Motion: Katt, Pare talk Sparks. Newsarama (July 23): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/070923-MotionComics.html

Rogers, Vaneta. 2009. NYCC '09 - Brian Bendis on Spider-Woman Motion Comics. Newsarama (February 8): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/020908-Spider-Woman-Bendis.html

Rogers, Vaneta. 2009. The Future of e-Comic Books - Some Questions & Answers. Newsarama (April 9): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/090409-e-reader-comics.html

Rogers, Vaneta. 2009. The Q: Changing Technology, Changing Comics. Newsarama (May 26): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/050926-TheQ-Tech.html

Singh, Arune. 2009. You've Never Seen Marvel Move Like This Before! Marvel Launches First-Ever Original Motion Comic -- Spider-Woman. First episode available on iTunes on August 19, 2009 [press release]. Marvel Comics (August 19)

*Stone, Christine. 2009. Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic: Behind The Scenes. Newsarama (November): http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?aid=31734

Suintres, John. 2009. Word Balloon: Watchmen Motion Comics' Jake Hughes. Newsarama (January 28): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/010928-WB-Watchmen-Motion.html

Suintres, John. 2009. Brian Michael Bendis: Spider Woman Motion Comic. Newsarama (February 25): http://www.newsarama.com/common/media/video/player.php?aid=26244

Suintres, John. 2008. Word Balloon: Alex Ross - Batman, JSA and More [Batman: Black & White motion comics]. Newsarama (December 4): http://www.newsarama.com/comics/120804-Word-Balloon-Ross.html

Taylor, Kate. 2009. Watchmen, animated? It works; A new adaptation of a classic comic book sets a high standard for a relatively low-tech art form [motion comics]. Toronto Globe and Mail (June 8):
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/watchmen-animated-it-works/article1173722/

Wallenstein, Andrew. 2008. Warner home video arm sets live-action Web series [motion comics]. Hollywood Reporter (November 24): http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20081124/media_nm/us_media_premiere_2

Dec 19: DRINK + DRAW! in Bethesda at Gallery Neptune

 

Neptune

gallery + studio

5001 Wilson Lane

Bethesda, Md. 20814

301-718-0809

www.galleryneptune.com

 

 

Gay bookstore Lambda Rising to close

Gay bookstore Lambda Rising to close says the Washington Post. The owner's reached retirement age, and I wish he'd sell his chain instead as there are a decent amount of both gay cartoonists and gay comics. Lamba Rising hosted Allison Bechdel signings when she was just doing 'Dykes to Watch Out For' (an excellent strip) and hadn't hit the big big time with 'Fun Home' (an excellent graphic biography).

With the loss of the Blade, gay comics in DC have taken quite a hit this year.

Comic Riffs looks for best comic strip of the decade

Michael Cavna's got the question up on his Washington Post blog.

Fantasy artist started as medical illustrator after graduating from Catholic University

It's All in the Cards: Veronica V. Jones

By Wolfen Moondaughter

November 30, 2009   

http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1560

 

 

'Looking for Calvin and Hobbes' review in LA Times

Writing the story of the lovable comic strip pair proved to be more challenging than the author thought.
By Susan Salter Reynolds
Los Angeles Times

Joe Sacco reviewed in Washington Examiner

Joe Sacco's new book is reviewed in Washington Examiner, December 6, 2009, p. 26, but it doesn't appear to be online. Pull quotes:

"Having already established his reputations as the world's leading comics journalist, Sacco is now making a serious case to be considered one of the world's top journalists, period."

"Sacco's art is alternately epic and intimate, but he exceeds himself in the scope of his ambition (particularly in one sequence that shows in vivid terms how desert refugee camps from 1948 turned into the teeming slums of today). But it's his exacting and harrowing interviews that make this book an invaluable and wrenching piece of journalism."

The review is unsigned.

Disney's newest princess and the question of race

An op-ed piece on The Princess and the Frog from Disney - Spoiler alert: This Disney princess gets a job, By Sara Sarasohn, Washington Post December 6, 2009.

Harvey Pekar interview from 2000

Here's another interview that's not in my Harvey Pekar: Conversations, in case you want to print it out and tuck it in.

Q and A: Harvey Pekar in 2000
Words: Christopher Irving
Friday, December 4, 2009

Disney's Mulan reviewed in Post

The show's at Imagination Stage and here's the review - 'Mulan': This girl warrior is no China doll, By Celia Wren, Washington Post Saturday, December 5, 2009.

Dec 6 convention

THIS Sun, Dec. 6 - CapiCons Comic & Pop Culture Show - FREE Customer Admission*

- Our Guest Artist/Creator and President of Heritage Comics HSQ, Andre Campbell!
http://www.heritagecomicshsq.com

- 21st Century Sandshark Studios Presents Tim Dzon--Artist/Inker ("West Coast Avengers," "GI Joe", etc.)

- Chris Flick, writer/artist and creator of the webcomics "Capes-N-Babes", and "CMX Suite"
http://www.capesnbabes.com/
http://www.communitymx.com/flicks/index.cfm

*****

Sun, Dec. 6 - CapiCons Comic & Pop Culture Show at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department. Our Guest will be Artist/Creator and President of Heritage Comics HSQ, Andre Campbell! AND 21st Century Sandshark Presents Tim Dzon--Artist/Inker (West Coast Avengers, GI Joe.) The show is open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Buy, sell and trade...gold, silver age and new comics; Magic and other gaming cards; Non-Sport Cards; Videos and DVDs; Anime; Horror; Sci-Fi; figures, toys; Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia; original artwork, posters, T-shirts/clothing and various other comic related items. FREE customer admission for this show!

21st Century Sandshark Studios/Cards Comics & Collectibles/Doug Cheshire/Michael & Connie Creager/Chris Flick/
Donald and Kathy Gehl/Heritage Comics HSQ/FANDATA/J&M Comics/Outpost Station/Packcracker/Silver Fox Comics/TNT Comics/Steve Wagner/Tomorrow's Treasures/Wandering Rebel/Zeno's Books

...and MORE!!!!!!!!!!
...............

To get to the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department (located about 20 minutes west of Washington, D.C.), take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A (Rt 7 West). Go 1/2 mile, Take a Left on Gallows Rd and proceed 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd.

Or visit our website for detailed directions and Mapquest directions:
http://www.capicons.com/directions_dlvfd.htm

Address for convention location (no mail, please):
Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department
2148 Gallows Road
Dunn Loring, VA 22027

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 12-09-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 12-09-09

By John Judy

 

ADVENTURE COMICS #5 by Geoff Johns, Jerry Ordway and Francis Manapul.  Superboy-Prime versus the Black Lanterns!  Boy, who do you root for there?

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #614 by Mark Waid and Paul Azaceta.  Spidey and J. Jonah Jameson must work together to stop Electro!  This would be a great time to be Electro.  Recommended.

 

DARK X-MEN #2 of 5 by Paul Cornell and Leonard Kirk.  Nate Grey, X-Man, is back and Norman Osborn's Dark X-Men are nervous.  As well they ought!

 

DAYTRIPPER #1 of 10 by Gabriel Ba and Fabio Moon.  A couple of Eisner winners tackle the meaning of life in graphic form.  Gotta look!  Oh, and it's about a Brazilian obituary writer with a famous dad and how can you screw that up?  And it's named after a Beatles song and features an amazing cover!  Recommended.

 

DOOM PATROL #5 by Keith Giffen and Other People Who Are Not Keith Giffen.  The Doom Patrol versus their dead teammates.  One group outnumbers the other.

 

EX MACHINA, VOL. 8: DIRTY TRICKS SC by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris and Others.  Collecting issues 35-39 and the Halloween Special, this one features a terrific arc about a masked woman who wants to disrupt the 2004 GOP National Convention in New York.  (And then four years later they ran her for Vice-President!  Pow!)  Highly recommended.

 

GOD COMPLEX #1 by Michael Avon Oeming and John Broglia.  Greek god Apollo is living on the down-low among mortals, much to the chagrin of Big Daddy Zeus who would rather see him dead than slumming.  A book about families with issues, just in time for the holidays!  Awesome!

 

GOGO MONSTER GN written and drawn by Taiyo Matsumoto.  A little something from VIZ, a story of a boy who lives in two worlds; one where he's a ridiculed loner with an overactive imagination, another in which he's the only one who can see monsters vying for control of his school.  OK, that sounds like one world to me…

 

INCREDIBLE HULK #605 by Fred Van Lente and Ariel Olivetti.  Next on the bout card: Tyrannus and the moloids!  Hey, it can't be all A-listers all the time.  Hulk Junior needs to ease his way up with a few palookas now and then.  And let's not even discuss the Thundra-Shulk back-up feature.  Just like anything with Jar-Jar Binks, this never happened…

 

INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #21 by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca.  Tony Stark's friends must bring him back from his brain-dead, vegetative state.  Can they pry the copy of "Going Rogue" from his fingers?  Can they twist the tea-bag hat off his head?  Switching the TV from Glenn Beck to Cartoon Network is only the first step back from the abyss!  Recommended!

 

NATION X #1 of 4 by Various People.  There's X-Men in this!

 

NEW AVENGERS ANNUAL #3 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mike Mayhew.  The ladies of the Avengers have to bust Hawkeye out of jail.  I guess that would make them the Lady Liberators or something.  Superchicks + Jailbreak = WIN!

 

PUNISHERMAX #2 by Jason Aaron and Steve Dillon.  After sparing the Punisher's life last issue Wilson Fisk continues engineering the rise of the (til now) mythological Kingpin of Crime.  If you liked Garth Ennis writing PUNISHER you'll love this.  Highly recommended.  Not for kids.

 

SECRET SIX #16 by Gail Simone and Peter Nguyen.  Black Alice, the super-powerful goth chick who can do pretty much anything except make goth cool again, wants to join the Six.  Sadly, the math requires her to knock it down to Five first.  Great cover.  Recommended.

 

UNWRITTEN #8 by Mike Carey and Peter Gross.  Tommy Taylor's still in prison, which is a tough row to hoe if you're a guy who might really be a whimsical storybook character.  Recommended.

 

WALKING DEAD #68 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard.  Rick and his crew meet another survivor on the way to DC.  Why does he look so cheerful?  Cue violins… Highly recommended.  Not for kids.

 

www.johnjudy.net

Dec 6: Eisner film at AFI in Silver Spring

Dec 6th 12pm AFI Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist

thanks to Liz for the tip

R. Fiore declares Cul de Sac "the best contemporary newspaper comic strip'

Comics Journal columnist R. Fiore declares Cul de Sac is "the best contemporary newspaper comic strip,' arguing with Bob Harvey over 9 Chickweed Lane. Heretically, I may agree with Bob, as Chickweed is continuing stories with a bit of spice in them; it really depends what I'm in the mood for though.

ACT-I-VATE Primer in the NY Times 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

From: Jim Dougan (as I was remiss.)

Just a head's up in case you missed it:  the New York Times selected The ACT-I-VATE PRIMER (featuring an exclusive SAM & LILAH story by Hyeondo Park and Yours Truly) for its 2009 Holiday Gift Guide!

 

http://www.nytimes.com/gift-guide/holiday-2009/giftguide-graphicnovels/list.html

 

As you already know (but for the benefit of your readers) the book also features the talents of Nick Bertozzi, Dean Haspiel, Roger Langridge, Simon Fraser, Michel Fiffe, Molly Crabapple, Tim Hamilton, and the list goes on!  It's got a fairly diverse range of material, but isn't really kid-appropriate (as you also already know).

 

I know for a fact that it's in stock at all the local Big Planet and Fantom Comics locations, so if any of your readers are interested they can pick it up there!

 

Thanks,

Jim D.

 

PS Any readers liking what they find in the book can find hundreds more FREE pages of great comics by the same creators at www.activatecomix.com!

Weldon with a couple of more book recommendations

Weldon, Glen.  2009.

The Best Five Books To Share With Your Friends [Asterios Polyp; Supergirls].

NPR.org (December 2): http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120980848&sc=nl&cc=bn-20091204

 

Pow! Wham! Zap! Glen Weldon hates this attitude

Read him going on about 'geekiness' and 'comic books' being linked together at Geeks, Genre, And Why Fantasy Football Is Just D&D Without Elves, By Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog December 2, 2009.

(I really don't get fantasy football)

Jurdy can't be too far away

This PR says that cartoonist Jenifer Jurden is from Bishopville, MD - she's got a 410 area code on her website, so we'll count her and her character Jurdy as local.

PR: Kal 2010 Wall calendars now available by telephone orders

Friends and Colleagues

I wanted to alert you that The 2010 Illustrated Wall Kalendar for The Economist can now be ordered via the telephone as well as via the Web. 

In the USA just call 1-800-456-6086. If you are interested in getting Kalendars for gifts, it might be wise to place your order soon to insure holiday delivery. 

International customers and those who prefer to order the Kalendar on line can view samples of the calendar and make web purchases Here:

http://www.kaltoons.com/wordpress/tag/calendar/

Best

Kal

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

Ullman and Flake in 12/3 City Paper

Emily Flake illustrates an article on Costco, and Rob Ullman's got a full-page ad later in the current issue.

Dog Sees God, not a (wink, wink) Peanuts play in Alexandria

The Little Theatre of Alexandria is running this. If anyone wants to go, slap a note in the comments. I've never seen it. It's also positively reviewed in the Post.

DOG SEES GOD
Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead
November 27 – December, 19, 2009

Directed by: William D. Parker
Produced by: Jennifer Lyman

When CB's dog dies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. A chance meeting sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drugs, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that's both haunting and hopeful.

NOTE:
Please note this is a 10:30PM performance. This show contains references to drug use, sex, and other sensitive topics. It is not recommended for children.

Washington Times laying off 40% of staff - and 100% of comics?

I'm betting the comics aren't coming back, even though they're not mentioned in this article.

This has not been a good year for comic strips and editorial cartoons in the nation's capital. Perhaps I'll do a year-in-review post like everyone else does in December.

More SHOCs - Batmania and Japanese anime in 1966

I went through a couple more fragments of 1966 Detroit Free Press newspapers today.

One of the big stories was apparently the Batman tv show - this illustrated an article on Batmania:


Things don't appear to have changed much in 40 years, do they? It's by Thurston, who also did one of the Odd 'Change comics in yesterday's post.


I'm guessing that DC wasn't paid for this use...


And this wire photo of a Japanese anime character surprised me. I had to go Wikipedia to find out this was Obake no Qtarō (or Oba-Q as in the caption here). From February 28, 1966.

Nice new Pekar interview online

I'm not trying to keep up with all of Harvey's interviews now that the book is finished, but Irving and Kushner have a nice one up at their Graphic NYC blog. And Jeff Newelt's Pekar Project keeps moving along.

Xavier Xerexes, of Arlington, comic creator interviewer

Xavier and I failed to link up at SPX this year and thus remain unmet, and then I kept forgetting to check the site he writes for, but!! - here's a new interview by him: "An Interview with David LaMason of Unbearable Bears," By Xaviar Xerexes, Comixtalk November 2009. Links to all of his writings are here, and will be added to the list of local contributors on the right side.

Wired's Geek Dad blog on Looking for Calvin and Hobbes

It appears to be Mom writing this review though - Aren’t We All Looking for Calvin and Hobbes? By Jenny Williams, Wired's Geek Dad blog November 30, 2009.

SHOC: Odd 'Change comic panel

In 1966, the Detroit Free Press published some classic comics (Little Orphan Annie, Gasoline Alley, Gil Thorp, Terry and the Pirates, Nancy, Grin and Bear It, On Stage, Brother Juniper, Peanuts, Brenda Starr, Mutt & Jeff, Dick Tracy, BC, Mr. Mum, Peanuts, Judge Parker) and some not-so-classic ones (The Neighborhood, Smidgens, Fan Fare, The Ryatts, Ferdinand), but they also published a comics panel that appears to have been done by their staff artists.

Odd 'Change is a very small panel that appeared in the middle of the stock tables. Here's three examples:

May 6, 1966

March 25, 1966

March 3, 1966

I haven't been able to find any information on this panel, with an admittedly quick search of OSU and MSU's databases. It's not in Allan Holtz's excellent resource The Stripper's Guide either, although this post points out that the Free Press did do its own comic strips. The original clippings are being sent to MSU's Comic Art Collection. Join us again for another entry in... The Secret History of Comics!

Comics Research Bibliography updated!

For the first time in 2 years, we've got an update to the Comics Research Bibliography. We've added 6,000 new citations, searchable by keyword, to bring the total to 29,700 entries. The project was begun in 1996 so we've passed a decade without having a special party.

Dec 5: Book illustrator at Medical Museum

 

 

The Art and Science of "OUTBREAK: Plagues that Changed History" with the artist Bryn Barnard

 

When:

 

Saturday, December 5, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Feel free to drop in; no reservations required.)

 

What:

 

Bryn Barnard, author and artist of "OUTBREAK: Plagues that Changed History," (on exhibit through Jan 22, 2010 at NMHM) will host three exciting programs on Saturday, December 5, 2009, including an illustration workshop and a special session aimed at younger audiences. Free, open to the public, no reservations required.

 

See the schedule online at http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum/events/event_2ed.html for more details. Questions? Call (202) 782-2673 or email nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil.

 

Where:

 

National Museum of Health and Medicine, on the campus at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Building 54, Washington, D.C. 20307  (Enter at Elder St., NW)

Adults must present photo identification to gain entry to Walter Reed.

 

Contact:

 

(202) 782-2673 or email nmhminfo@afip.osd.mil

 

 

Friends of ComicsDC badge #2

I had so much fun making the first 'official' badge that I thought I'd do another. I finally found the image file that MJ of National Free Press sent in, so we've got a second button available on Zazzle.

Washington Times cuts comics?

A commenter alluded to this on one of my posts last week, and now it's mentioned again in the comments to the Comic Riffs post.

What can one do, but shake one's head and then refuse to buy the paper...

Dec. 6: CapiCons Comic & Pop Culture Show - FREE Customer Admission

THIS Sun, Dec. 6 - CapiCons Comic & Pop Culture Show - FREE Customer Admission*

 -  Our Guest Artist/Creator and President of Heritage Comics HSQ, Andre Campbell!
http://www.heritagecomicshsq.com

 -  21st Century Sandshark Studios Presents Tim Dzon--Artist/Inker ("West Coast Avengers," "GI Joe", etc.)

-  Chris Flick, writer/artist and creator of the webcomics "Capes-N-Babes", and "CMX Suite"
http://www.capesnbabes.com/
http://www.communitymx.com/flicks/index.cfm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
 *****
 
Sun, Dec. 6 - CapiCons Comic & Pop Culture Show at the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department. Our Guest will be Artist/Creator and President of Heritage Comics HSQ, Andre Campbell! AND 21st Century Sandshark Presents Tim Dzon--Artist/Inker (West Coast Avengers, GI Joe.) The show is open to the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Buy, sell and trade...gold, silver age and new comics; Magic and other gaming cards; Non-Sport Cards; Videos and DVDs; Anime; Horror; Sci-Fi; figures, toys; Star Wars and Star Trek memorabilia; original artwork, posters, T-shirts/clothing and various other comic related items.  FREE customer admission for this show!

 21st Century Sandshark Studios/Cards Comics & Collectibles/Doug Cheshire/Michael & Connie Creager/Chris Flick/
 Donald and Kathy Gehl/Heritage Comics HSQ/FANDATA/J&M Comics/Outpost Station/Packcracker/Silver Fox Comics/TNT Comics/Steve Wagner/Tomorrow's Treasures/Wandering Rebel/Zeno's Books

...and MORE!!!!!!!!!!
 ...............

 To get to the Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department (located about 20 minutes west of Washington, D.C.), take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A (Rt 7 West). Go 1/2 mile, Take a Left on Gallows Rd and proceed 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd.
 
 Or visit our website for detailed directions and Mapquest directions:
 http://www.capicons.com/directions_dlvfd.htm
 
 Address for convention location (no mail, please):
 Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Department
 2148 Gallows Road
 Dunn Loring, VA 22027
 

Dec 4: Tezuka Family Weekend at Freer

Tezuka Family Weekend  Friday, Dec. 4 - Sunday, Dec. 6 (click image for details) Kamishibai Performances and Workshops by Yassan Kamishibai ("paper dramas") are a form of performance popularized in Japan in the early twentieth century by traveling performers who bicycled from town to town, dazzling children and adults alike with exciting tales illustrated with colorful pictures. Today Yassan, one of its foremost practitioners, comes to the Freer to celebrate the work and legacy of Osamu Tezuka with a series of performances and workshops. Performances Friday, Dec. 4, 12 & 2 pm Saturday, Dec. 5, 11 am & 1 pm Sunday, Dec. 6, 11 am & 3 pm Films The Fantastic Adventures of Unico Saturday, Dec. 5, 3:45 pm Tezuka on Television Princess Knight Marvellous Melmo The Three-Eyed One Sunday, Dec. 6, 1 pm Family Tours  Friday, Dec. 4, 12:30, 2:30 & 3:30 pm Saturday, Dec. 5, 11:30 am, 1:30 & 2:30 pm Sunday, Dec. 6, 11:30 am, 3:30 & 4:30 pm

'Improved' Express cuts most comics UPDATED

The Washington Post's free Express paper was improved over the holiday and that means they cut 3 of the 5 comic strips they ran. Out are Bizarro by Dan Piraro, Cornered by Mike Baldwin, and The Duplex by Glenn McCoy. Remaining are Pearls Before Swine (which also appears in the Post) and Pooch Cafe, now in color.

Should you wish to question this improvement, you can write to inbox@readexpress.com

I will be doing so in a few minutes.

UPDATE: The editor wrote back to me to say, "We might feature fewer comics in our print edition now, but we've added an expanded comics section in an easy-access, newspaper-style format at our Web site, ExpressNightOut.com. You'll find Bizarro, Cornered and The Duplex there every day - plus a slew of new comics to make a visit worth your time. Those include Lio, Non Sequitur, The Argyle Sweater, Bound and Gagged, Candorville, Cul de Sac and the New Adventures of Queen Victoria. You can find them here: http://www.expressnightout.com/comics."

While I obviously don't agree with him, I appreciate the fact that he took the time to respond. I've just sent him a response which includes, "We'll have to agree to disagree though because if it's a commuting newspaper, then putting the comics online doesn't really help anyone except those with overly-smart phones. Besides the Post does that already. In the end, I just don't see providing less of something as a way to bring in more readers."

Dec 6: Will Eisner Film

WILL EISNER: PORTRAIT OF A SEQUENTIAL ARTIST
Sunday, December 6, 12:15 pm
AFI Silver Theatre

Will Eisner started working in comics in the1930s, just as they were moving from reprints of newspaper strips to tabloids featuring original material, and Eisner had some of the most original creations of all.  He combined elements of art, literature and film that eventually led to a successful career in what he called "sequential art," the forerunner of today's graphic novels.  Starting in 1939, his gritty crime fighter series The Spirit incorporated "film noir" as well as elements of the Jewish experience and the fight against anti-semitism. Featuring interviews with Michael Chabon, Art Spiegelman, Jules Feiffer and others, this visually imaginative documentary captures Eisner's groundbreaking genius. USA, 2007, video, documentary, 96 minutes, Director: Andrew D. Cooke

SPECIAL GUEST Andrew Cooke, Director

For tickets and information about other WJFF films please visit WJFF.org

The 16th Street J is a gathering spot for everything from world premieres to year-round sports leagues to provocative dialogues.

Creativity, Community and Connection

washingtondcjcc.org

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and the The Blog at 16th & Q

 

 

SL (Shannon) Gallant, comic book artist, now in DC

SL (Shannon) Gallant has written in to introduce himself, and look for fellow artists. I've got to say that I've never bought GI Joe in my life (although I liked the small comics they used to package in their toy sets in the 1960s), but now I'll be picking it up

I'm a comic artist-illustrator living in DC and currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe. I've also worked for DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, and Titan UK in the past on titles ranging from Marvel Adventures:The Avengers and Torchwood to more cartoon oriented work such as Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens.

The last few months I've been making the effort to create connections with other artists in the area, through DC Conspiracy and other groups. I was hoping you might know similar professionals in the region I should try to get in touch with who are less likely to participate in such outings?

So if you're a comic book professional in the area, feel free to post below. Send me news of your current and upcoming projects and I'll promote them as well. I know my co-author Randy's compiled a list of local people at one point - does he still have that?

Fantastic Mr. Fox feature in Post

With Clooney in henhouse, Anderson has something to crow about
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 29, 2009

Zadzooks interviews Dark Horse's Scott Allie and reviews Plastic Man

Zadzooks: Scott Allie interview, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 26, 2009

Zadzooks: Plastic Man: The Complete Collection, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Complete Season One, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 19, 2009

Mark Wheatley interview on Baker's Dozen

Bill Baker has an interview at Looking Back to See the Future: Mark Wheatley on IDW’s Mark Wheatley Library (part one of two), BAKER'S DOZEN for 11/25/2009.

Check out his books too - he's got interviews with Alan Moore and others. I bought a complete set recently.

The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit CLOSING TODAY

I just got back from seeing The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit and I'd recommend you rush into the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery on U St, NW at 16th St. and check it out. Photographer Dulce Pinzon clothed Mexicans working in New York City in Halloween superhero costumes loosely related to their jobs, and photographed them doing that work. 13 large images are displayed. It's a clever conceit and worth seeing. It's open until 3 pm today, the last day of the show.

Quick Reviews for Comics Due Thursday (NOT WEDNESDAY) 12-03-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE THURSDAY (not Wednesday) 12-03-09

By John Judy

 

BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #1 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins.  Barry and Wally have to duke it out with zombie rogues.  This one sells itself!  Recommended.

 

BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #1 of 3 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott.  WW vs. Zombie Maxwell Lord, the guy whose head she nearly twisted off during that hideous OMAC storyline.  So let's twist again like we did last Summer!

 

THE BOYS #37 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.  The origin of The Frenchman!  Sacre bleau!  Not for kids!  Recommended.

 

DARK AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo.  Captain Marvel Boy wants out!  But every time he tries to get out Norman Osborn pulls him back in!  Plus, more Sentry craziness!

 

EMPOWERED SPECIAL written and drawn by Adam Warren.  "The Wench with a Million Sighs!"  The tribulations of a super-heroine as related by a captured demon-lord on her coffee table.  Features swearing, sighing and lots of zappage.  Recommended.

 

EX MACHINA DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 2 HC by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris and Others.  Collecting issues 12-20 plus the two-issue Special, this makes a nice gift for the Super-Hero/Political Thriller fan on your list.  And you.  Recommended.

 

FALL OF THE HULKS ALPHA #1 by Jeff Parker and Paul Pelletier.  Doctor Doom and some other clowns who think they're on his level team up to bring down the Hulk family.  About time!  "Hulk!  There can be only one!"  Gotta look!

 

JSA ALL-STARS #1 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie Williams II.  The first issue of the new monthly spin-off title!  Featuring a more militant JSA so look for lots of punching, hitting and zapping.  No old people or brainiacs need apply.  Gotta look.

 

MARVELS PROJECT #4 of 8 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting.  Project Rebirth is on!  Steve Rogers hits the juice and the world of star-spangled super-heroes will never be the same!  Highly recommended.

 

POPEYE, VOL. 4: PLUNDER ISLAND HC by E.C. Segar.  A complete eight-month run of Sunday color comics featuring Popeye's epic battle with the Sea Hag and the Goon!  Plus dailies and a whole lot more!  Thank-you once again, Fantagraphics! Highly recommended.

 

SCALPED #33 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera.  Red Crow's leg-breakers vs. tattooed Hmong gangsters with FBI Special Agent Dash Bad Horse caught in the middle.  If you wonder where all the Awesome went this month, it's here.  Not for kids.  Highly recommended.

 

SIEGE: THE CABAL ONE-SHOT by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Lark.  Norman Osborn takes on Doctor Doom.  There's a reason this is a one-shot, folks.  Recommended.

 

STRANGE #2 of 4 by Mark Waid and Emma Rios.  A young woman saved by Dr. Strange becomes obsessed with learning everything she can about the Master of the Mystic Arts.  Maybe she can even figure out how he got replaced in the Magic Pecking Order by Brother Voodoo.  (I mean, come on!)  Anyway, this is really a good take on the Doctor by Waid and Rios.  Recommended.

 

SUPERGOD #2 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Garrie Gastony.  What a superhuman arms race would look like before everybody died screaming.  Yeah, that's it really.  Cheaper and better-written than 2012.

 

SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #10 of 12 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson and Pete Woods.  There's been a murder on New Krypton, which is really quite a feat if you think about it.  Now it's up to Supes and Adam Strange to track down the culprit.  With General Zod looking over their shoulders.  No pressure…

 

THOR #604 by Kieron Gillen and Billy Tan.  Y'know, if you're the new creative team following Straczynski and Coipel on THOR, you could do a lot worse than having the Thunder God beat the sweet, living bejeezus out of Doctor Doom.  Well played, gentlemen.  Recommended.

 

TORCH #4 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter.  So the original Human Torch is doing better now that the no-longer-dead Toro has freed him from the Mad Thinker's control. But boy, coming back from the dead just to get mind-controlled into char-broiling some random shmucks?  It throws off your game, y'know?

 

UNCANNY X-MEN #518 by Matt Fraction and Terry & Rachel Dodson.  Cyclops journeys into Emma Frost's mind to purge the evil influence of The Void.  Because he's too cheap to buy flowers!  Recommended anyway.

 

www.johnjudy.net

Mauldin biography wins history prize

I helped out a miniscule amount on the collection of cartoons, and ComicsDC contributor Warren Bernard helped out more so we'll call this ComicsDC news - Todd DePastino Wins 2009 Sperber Prize for his Biography of World War II Cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) November 27, 2009. Both books are well worth reading.

Tonight: Kal onstage in Baltimore (repost)

In a special collaboration, The Baltimore Improv Group and Kal will team up for a fun Thanksgiving weekend spectacular on Saturday, November 28, 8PM at Baltimore's Creative Alliance. For more info visit BIG's webpage:

http://www.bigimprov.org/escapethefamily

Best

Kal

Kevin Kallaugher

kal@kaltoons.com

www.Kaltoons.com

ComicsAZ, part 2 - The Flintstones

Did you know the Flintstones were based in Arizona? Neither did I, until we passed this Flintstones Campground on the way to the Grand Canyon.



I would have loved this as a kid. Actually it was kind of appealing as an adult too, but not after four hours touring the Canyon.



I'm thinking the Buffalo Lodge was the reason for all the pickup trucks...



...but maybe they were buying film.


Rock Vegas or Bust, baby!

A few more pictures are on my Flickr site.

Express on Johnny Cash graphic biography

Darkness Rising: Reinhard Kleist's Graphic-Novel, 'Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness'
Stephen M. Deusner
Express November 24, 2009

Wes Anderson on Fantastic Mr. Fox in Onion

Wes Anderson's been interviewed all over the place for his new animated movie The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and one appears in the print Onion as well as a longer version online.

U of Maryland prof on atomic bomb manga

See "Writing Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the 21st Century: A New Generation of Historical Manga," by Michele Mason, Asia Pacific Journal: Japan Focus (November 23 2009).

I haven't read the article yet, but anyone who hasn't read Barefoot Gen,the older manga that is not the subject of the article, should make the attempt now. There's a new 8-volume set out in English now.

That darn Herblock!

Herblock was a liberal?! Shocking!!

Library of Congress Spins Lefty Cartoonist Herblock as an 'Independent Spirit'
By Scott Whitlock
Newsbusters November 23, 2009

Dirda on Herge

The unheroic genius behind the adventures of Tintin
By Michael Dirda
Washington Post November 26, 2009

That darn Beeler!

The Thanksgiving (Nov 26) issue of the Washington Examiner has a letter from Sarita Chapman entitled 'Cartoons lampooning Obama are not funny' in which she says "I am beginning to feel that this ['caricature making fun of President Obama'] is racially motivated."

I know the cartoonist Nate Beeler, and I don't think that's true, although I think he's a bit hard on Obama. On the other hand, that is the job of a political cartoonist, isn't it?