Monday, June 13, 2011

June 15: Nathan Edmondson Signing at Fantom Comics This Wednesday

Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone

This coming Wednesday, June 15, Fantom Comics will be hosting writer Nathan Edmondson! Edmondson is the author of 3 of Image's hottest titles: Olympus, The Light and Who Is Jake Ellis?.

Edmondson will be at the store from noon - 7pm (with occasional breaks, of course), and is happy to chat and sign any of his books. In case you don't have any of his stuff (in which case, shame on you!), Fantom will have a stack of his stuff available for your convenience.

And at 7pm Edmondson will be joining the Fantom Comics crew for drinks and grub at the Union Pub, right up the street!

See you Wednesday!

Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com

June 14: Paul Madonna at Politics & Prose

Tomorrow at Politics & Prose bookstore (5015 Connecticut Avenue NW) at 7 pm, Paul Madonna, who draws and writes a strip, "All Over Coffee," for the San Francisco Chronicle, will do a reading and signing from his new book, "Everything Is Its Own Reward." See http://www.politics-prose.com/event/book/paul-madonna-everything-its-own-reward for details.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Recent USA Today comic stories

Daredevil returns in 'swashbuckling' new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 6/2/2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-02-Daredevil-returns-in-a-new-Marvel-Comics-series_n.htm

Absorbing Man a wrecking ball of doom in 'Fear Itself'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-06-Absorbing-Man-wrecks-the-world-in-Fear-Itself-series_n.htm

'Delirium's Party' offers Endless crazy fun
By John Geddes, USA TODAY June 6 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-06-Deliriums-Party-is-Endless-crazy-fun_n.htm

Punisher's history of violence continues in new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 10 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-10-Punisher-stars-in-relaunched-comic-series_n.htm

Review of Cho's 50 Girls 50

Frank Cho's co-written 50 Girls 50 is reviewed here. Cho will be appearing at the Washington Comic Con on Father's Day.

PR: Capicons show today

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sun, June 12, 2011
10 am - 3 pm

Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Hall,
2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, Virginia
Admission $3 - Kids FREE!

Opento the public from 10 am - 3 pm. Buy, sell & trade: Gold, Silver,Bronze Age comics; Indie & Modern comics, Publishers &Creators, TV & Movie Collectibles. Non-sport cards; Videos &DVDs; Horror/Sci-Fi; figures, toys; Star Wars & Star Trekmemorabilia; original artwork, posters and other comic-relatedcollectibles.

FEATURING:
Tom Chillemi of Azure Press http://azure-press.com/index.html (Ninjas vs Zombies)
Dan Nokes of 21st Century Sandshark Studios http://21sandshark.com/
Tim Dzon, Former Marvel cover artist and inker http://www.comicvine.com/tim-dzon/26-7887/
Carolyn Belefski and Joe Carabeo of Curls Studio
http://www.curls-studio.com/

Directions to DLVFRD:  Take I-495 (DC/Capital Beltway) to Exit 47A (Rt.7 West). Go 1/2 Mile, Left on Gallows Rd. 1 mile to 2148 Gallows Rd

============================================================
To book a table, be added to our mailing list, request flyers, or for more info about our show, email info@capicons.com.

Thank you,
Jeff & Laura & Ed
Capicons

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Comic Book Diner Kickstarter plea

I've put my money in - Mike

Okay folks we are down to the wire-- we have begged, pleaded, marketed, e-mailed, called friends,. family-- but I guess I goofed up. Jamar, Rich and I were told for years that there weren't enough kids graphic novels out there-- fun, funny, something that makes kids excited to read. Was I wrong? Maybe everyone is all full up?

We just haven't done a good job of making our case. So here is the message I am sending out to everyone-- librarians, teachers, friends, etc., basically reminding folks of what we have done for others, and now we need help.

Librarians, Educators, Friends, Family, Lovers of literacy and creativity,

My name is John Gallagher, creator of the Buzzboy comics and I'm asking for your help in funding the "Comic Book Diner Project", a 3 book set of all-ages Graphic Novels, by Rich Faber, Jamar Nicholas, and me. Each book is 96 pages, full color, and full of comic stories, how-to's and drawing tutorials. Buzzboy, Roboy Red, and Leon: Protector of the Playground are the three books, and we are trying to pre-fund them through Kickstarter.Com-- all you need is an Amazon account to sign up, but we also have other ways of helping organizations buy the books, at an educational discount. Buzzboy is the world's coolest super sidekick. Roboy Red is the tale of a runaway robot. And Leon is about the world's first latch key superhero. Together they make up almost 300 pages of action fun, and fantasy for an all-ages audience.

We think that by selling these books together (and in a collector's box set), we are helping young people create the beginnings of a graphic Novel library within their own home. If you or a friend are a retailer or educator, we have a special way to order the books to get the proper discount (just e-mail me at john@sky-dog.com, and upon proof of organization, we can apply the discount)

You can see the type of fun comics we create by visiting our Comic Book Diner website (www.comicbookdiner.com), and I hope you will see in the art our dedication to young people in creating entertaining stories that are fun to read.

Just a few things about us:

I am a co-founder of Kids Love Comics, an organization helping promote all-ages comics-- we have exhibited at several conventions and book festivals over the last 8 years, including ALA, BEA, San Diego Comic-Con, ALA Book Festival, and more.

Through Sky-Dog Comics, I published More Fund, and Even More Fund, raising over $30,000 for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Rich edited, and all three of us contributed time, art and stories.

Rich and I published "Drawing Strength" a benefit sketch book for Hurricane Katrina victims, raising $4000 in one weekend at the Baltimore Comic-Con. I also sent 1000 Buzzboy comics out to New Orleans book donation programs, all on my own dime.

Jamar is an educator and motivational speaker, encouraging inner city kids to reach high and be creative. He was handpicked by Geoffrey Canada to adapt "Fist, Stick, Knife Gun" as a graphic novel, telling the tale of Canada's ascension out of Harlem.

Rich and I have spoken at over 100 schools and libraries between us, all with a focus on promoting the magic of Comics and Reading.

We have also both taught cartooning classes at Moore College and Susquehanna University.

Jamar currently teaches cartooning at Arcadia University.

We really love creating comics for all ages, and intend to move forward no matter what-- but this funding will help us to get the books in the hands even quicker. So please go to kickstarter.com for $40, you get a three book set, with sketches and signed by the Comic Book Diner Team. Back us for $50 and get the set in a limited edition collectors box. There are other rewards, offering free art and even cameos in the books. Please check it out, and thanks for your consideration.

Best

John

Truitt on Flashpoint

'Flashpoint' event creates new characters, tweaks old ones
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY 6/3/2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-03-Flashpoint-series-has-new-chaaracters-tweaks-old-ones_n.htm

Friday, June 10, 2011

Profile of Steve Niles, formerly of Washington

Steve Niles Takes on Wulf

Scott Braden

Scoop June 10 2011

http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=34&s=265&ai=109628

"Born in Jersey, raised in Washington, D.C., and now a Los Angeles local, the creator of the breakout vampire epic 30 Days of Night has broaden his storytelling scope with Wulf, the relaunch of the classic Atlas-Seaboard title Wulf the Barbarian."

I knew this, after his Big Planet comic book signing a few years ago, and then forgot it again.

Danish Islam cartoon controversy mentioned in Post today

Chicago man convicted in Danish newspaper case, cleared in Mumbai plot [online title: Defense calls jury's split verdict for Chicago man cleared in Mumbai attacks 'conflicting']
By Sophia Tareen Associated Press,
Washington Post June 10 2011, p. A11
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/defense-calls-jurys-split-verdict-for-chicago-man-cleared-in-mumbai-attacks-conflicting/2011/06/10/AGdUWLOH_story.html

Paul Horschemeier's signed books available at Big Planet Comics

I missed Paul Horschemeier's signing due to family committments, but I checked this week and signed books are available at Big Planet Comics in Bethesda - 703-654-6856.

Mike

Richmond comic con this weekend has free tickets to June 19th DC con

Free Tickets To DC Comicon (Father's Day) Available at VA Comicon This Saturday

Thursday, June 09, 2011

PR: Super Art Fight RETURNS to DC!

Super Art Fight RETURNS to DC!	Saturday, June 18 at 9:00pm - June 19 at 12:00am

Location	The Red Palace 1212 H St. NE Washington, DC

Created By	Super Art Fight

More Info	This past March, we at Super Art Fight had the honor and pleasure to make our debut in the Nation's Capital to a SOLD OUT show at The Red Palace. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif On Saturday Night, June 18th, 2011 – WE'RE COMING BACK! That's right, we'll be once again presenting a full Super Art Fight event at the Red Palace that evening, delivering DC everything that has made us known as the Greatest Live Art Competition In the Known Universe. Talents signed so far for June 18th: Nick "Ghostfreehood" Borkowicz, Jami "Angry Zen Master" Noguchi, Kelsey "Killer" Wailes and the undefeated Brandon J. Carr! Stay tuned to SuperArtFight.com for more details (or on this event invite), including the full card, as they are announced. Tickets should go on sale soon at RedPalaceDC.com, and will be just $15.

Weldon on DC's latest reboot

DC al Fine*: The Great Superhero ... Reboot? Relauch? Revamp? Retread?
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog June 9, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/06/09/137069771/dc-al-fine-the-great-superhero-reboot-relauch-revamp-retread

PR: Heroclix Tournament Saturday June 11 at Beyond Comics

Beyond Comics Heroclix Tournament...

Saturday June 11th

1:00pm to 5:00pm

600pts

Modern Age

$2 Entry Fee

Prizes include $25 Gift Card, Limited Edition GSX Figures

Find out more information or RSVP on Facebook...

Upcoming Tournament Dates:

June 25th

July 16th

(Captain America Release Event)

At Beyond Comics

5632 Buckeystwon Pike Frederick, MD 21704

(301) 668-8202

Two 'Peanuts' plays in Richmond this summer

Dog Sees God: Confessions of Teenage Blockhead Review
by Casey Menninger
Richmond.com June 09, 2011
http://www2.richmond.com/entertainment/2011/jun/09/dog-sees-god-confessions-teenage-blockhead-review-ar-1092074/

Truitt on Walking Dead toys and the New Avengers

'Walking Dead' toys invade store shelves this fall
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 9 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-08-Walking-Dead-toys-imvade-store-shelves-this-fall_n.htm

The New Avengers add a devilish new member
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 8 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-08-The-New-Avengers-add-a-devilish-new-member_n.htm

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

June 9: Nick Galifianakis at One More Page in Arlington/Falls Church

· Thurs, June 9, 7 pm: A very fun evening with Nick Galifianakis, author of If You Loved Me, You'd Think This Was Cute: Uncomfortably True Cartoons About You. We will have a wine tasting at 6 pm, leading up to the event with Nick, so plan to come early and join us! 2200 North Westmoreland Street.

July 8-10: Shore Leave con guests include comics authors

There are a bunch of comics authors (that also happen to write SF) attending the Shore Leave convention in Baltimore:

http://www.shore-leave.com/guests/authors.htm

including Mike W. Barr, Keith DeCandido and Greg Cox that I recognized.

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

MTV Geek on Heroes Con panel

HeroesCon 2011: Evan Dorkin, Roger Langridge and Richard Thompson Talk Humor in Comics
6/4/11
by Alex Zalben
http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/06/04/heroescon-2011-evan-dorkin-roger-langridge-and-richard-thompson-talk-humor-in-comics/

- there's a nice photo of everybody too.

Former White House speechwriter reviews Walker's The Comics

The Funny Papers: An Illustrated History of American Newspaper Comics, from the Yellow Kid to Dilbert.

By JEFF SHESOL

New York Times Book Review June 5, 2011 p. 30

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/05/books/review/book-review-the-comics-by-brian-walker.html

June 19: Washington DC Comicon

On June 19th, the Washington DC Comicon returns to George Mason University with Frank Cho, Larry "G.I. Joe" Hama and Ron "Green Lantern" Marz.

Shannon Gallant's a hit with a Heroes Con family

Click through to see a picture of Shannon Gallant drawing G.I. Joe and read more comments like:

WOW! he did an amazing sketch that is just.. yeah! It's awesome! THANK YOU! You made my 5-year old AND my husband very happy!

Day 2 of Heroes Con with another Gallant encounter is here.

PR: This Sun, June 12--Capicons Comic Con

Capicons Comic Book & Pop Culture Con
Sun, June 12, 2011
10 am - 3 pm

Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire Hall,
2148 Gallows Rd, Dunn Loring, Virginia
Admission $3 - Kids FREE!

Express on comic book movies

Crime Time: Comic Book Heroes Step Into the Real World
By Kristen Page-Kirby
June 2, 2011
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/comic-book-heroes-in-real-world.php

If I'm Not Mistaken: Beware the Ire of Comic Book Nerds

By Kristen Page-Kirby

June 3, 2011

http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/06/xmen-first-class-ire-of-nerds.php

Monday, June 06, 2011

SL Gallant's Family Guy comic book previewed

Family Guy's escapades make leap to comic books
By MATT MOORE, Associated Press June 2, 2011
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/jun/02/family-guys-escapades-make-leap-to-comic-books/

Weldon on summer beach reads

Beach Reads For Those Who'd Prefer Not to Acknowledge That They're At The Beach
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog May 26, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/05/26/136644123/beach-reads-for-those-whod-prefer-not-to-acknowledge-that-theyre-at-the-beach

- missed it, but Spurgeon caught it.

June 20th: International Political Cartoonists in DC

Daring to Draw: An Evening with Political Cartoonists from Around the World
Monday, June 20, 2011
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Holeman Lounge, The National Press Club
Free for Press Club Members, Non Members: $10

Free for DC Conspiracy Members and any other DC cartoonists (enter discount code DOS)

Registration Required at: http://press.org/events/daring-draw-evening-political-cartoonists-around-world#tickets

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

Press Club Hosts Political Cartoonists From Around the World

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

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

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

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

X-Men reviews in local papers

McAvoy and Fassbender reignite 'X-Men'
By: Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner 06/03/11 p.25
http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/06/mcavoy-and-fassbender-reignite-x-men

A whole other kind of Cold War superpower
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post June 3, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/x-men-first-class,1163132/critic-review.html

The latest 'X-Men' makesfor a first-class action film
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY June 3 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2011-06-02-x-men-first-class_n.htm

'X-Men' take 'First Class' to first place

By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY June 5 2011

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-06-05-box-office-june-6_n.htm

June 6: Paul Hornschemeier at Big Planet Comics and interview at Washington City Paper

Meet a Visiting Cartoonist: A Chat With Paul Hornschemeier
by Mike Rhode on Jun. 6, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/06/06/meet-a-visiting-cartoonist-a-chat-with-paul-hornschemeier/

He'll be at Big Planet Bethesda tonight at 6 pm.

Saturday, June 04, 2011

PR: Paul Hornschemeier signing in Bethesda

Monday, June 6, 6-8 PM

Joel Pollack

Big Planet Comics
Bethesda
4908 Fairmont Ave
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
301-654-6856

Richard Thompson featured in Charlotte Observer

Richard Thompson is in Charlotte, NC, at Heroes Con - here's a local interview with him -

Cartoonist draws peace from imagination
By Mark Washburn
Saturday, Jun. 04, 2011

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/06/04/2349613/cartoonist-draws-peace-from-imagination.html

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

2 comic books by local cartoonists out today

Zombies vs Cheerleaders #3 (Moonstone) has a story drawn by Bill McKay.

Frank Cho's co-written 50 Girls 50 #1 (Image) has a cover by Cho as well.

Truitt on DC Comics reboot

DC Comics unleashes a new universe of superhero titles
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 31 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-31-dc-comics-reinvents_n.htm

DC Comics ready for a risky yet relevant publishing change
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 1 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-01-dc-comics-why-the-change_n.htm

USA Today on DeviantArt and Blue Estate

DeviantArt makes artists, looks to expand
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY June 1 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-05-31-deviantart-talking-tech_n.htm

'Blue Estate' a dark, funny slice of pulp fiction
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 1 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-06-01-Blue-Estate-a-dark-funny-slice-of-pulp-fiction_n.htm

Richard Thompson at Heroescon in Charlotte, NC this weekend

I know because I'm driving him.

However, this will be an excellent opportunity to get Team Cul de Sac collectibles such as the 'zine Craig Fischer has put together, and get them defaced, I mean signed by Richard.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Truitt on Attuma in Fear Itself series

Attuma a 'Worthy' barbarian of the deep in 'Fear Itself'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 30 2011

...sounds like the Sub-Mariner and Avengers foe gets powered up because he wasn't a strong enough warlord before even though he invaded New York City...

June 1 is still new comics day (repost)

In spite of May 30th being a holiday, which usually means comic books ship a day late, Wednesday June 1 is still new comics day. However, the books will be arriving in stores that day, so plan your weekly pickup for later in the day.

UK paper profiles former UMD cartoonist Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney: Diarist of a Wimpy Kid; Forget Harry Potter – Kinney's books have sold more than 50 million copies and spawned a major film franchise. James Mottram meets him
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/jeff-kinney-diarist-of-a-wimpy-kid-2291050.html

PR: WashPost: Tom Toles's Cartoon Caption Contest Returns

As I received it:

The Washington Post's Tom Toles Cartoon Caption Contest returns today. To enter, check out what Tom Toles sketched and post your suggested caption in the comments section by 11:59 pm ET June 6. Toles will read through all the entries and will plan to announce the winner the next evening. The prize is a print of that cartoon, signed by Toles and including the caption suggested by the winner.

For the cartoon and official rules: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tom-toles/post/tom-toless-cartoon-caption-contest-returns/2011/05/27/AG7a9zCH_blog.html

Monday, May 30, 2011

Rafer Roberts on his Kirby Challenge comic

Rafer Roberts

Over the last 7 days, a whole bunch of kick-ass comic creators cranked out some comics for the Small Press Commandos' KIRBY CHALLENGE. Mine went online today.

So please visit the Small Press Commando site to read it, and make sure to keep checking back to read all the different comics too!

KIRBY CHALLENGE: TEAM ZULU « Small Press Commandos

smallpresscommandos.com

Our very first Commando Challenge was a Smashing success. Our hand picked teams executed their mission in keeping with the highest traditions of our medium. We will be featuring a story a day for the entire week. First up is TEAM ZULU. RAFER "RAMBO" ROBERTS was a one man army on this mission...

4th Sequential Tart on Finder

Read this or die: Finder
By Sheena McNeil
Sequential Tart May 30, 2011
http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1989

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Truitt on American Vampire and Fear Itself's Hulk

'American Vampire' spawns a new World War II miniseries
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-26-American-Vampire-comic-series-spawns-spinoff_n.htm

The Hulk is incredibly 'Worthy' in event series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 23 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-23-The-Hulk-is-incredibly-Worthy-in-comics-event-series_n.htm

PR: Beyond Comics Memorial Day Sale!

Beyond Comics Memorial Day Sale!

Monday May 30th
11am to 8pm

50% Off New Comics*

25% Off Graphic Novels

20% Off T-Shirts

25% Off Posters

Action Figures
30% Off Green Lantern A/F
30% Off Thor Movie A/F
25% Off DC Heroes (Mattell)
50% Off DC Direct

Statues
20% Off Select Bowen Statues
10% Off Select Sideshow Statues

25% Off Posters

*All sales subject to availability. Sales do not apply to recent arrivals except where noted. Sale prices not applicable to special orders, on hold items or subscriptions. Discounts may not be combined with any other sales or promotions. Certain exclusions apply, see individual stores for details.

Please visit our stores any time.

Gaithersburg Frederick

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

Richard Thompson wins cartooning's 'Oscar' award

Richard Thompson won the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Award, named after legendary cartoonist Rube Goldberg, in Boston last night. Comic Riffs has the story and also points out that Gary Varvel who won the RFK Journalism Award for editorial cartooning here in DC, also won the NCS editorial cartooning division award.

And here's Richard's blogpost on winning. And here are Chris Sparks' pictures from the ceremony.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

June 23: Gaiman's coming!

From: Randy T:

http://www.conventionscene.com/2011/05/23/dc-american-gods-lecture/

Colin Solan's Convention Scene site has the details about the National Press Club event.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Truitt on Captain America

'I Am Captain America' covers depict real heroes
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-26-Marvel-Comics-covers-depict-real-heroes_n.htm

BBC on Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney: 'Wimpy Kid was for grown-ups'
By Tim Masters Entertainment and arts correspondent, BBC News May 27 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13540941

June 1 is still new comics day

Thursday, May 26, 2011

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Stan "The Man" Lee as Guest of Honor!

I'm falling behind on BCC's PR, but here's an announcement that should excite people

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Stan "The Man" Lee as Guest of Honor!

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - May 26, 2011 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to officially announce that Stan "The Man" Lee will be the Guest of Honor at this year's convention. The show will be taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of August 20-21, 2011.

Stan Lee picture

Known the world over as the architect of the Marvel Universe, Lee -- along with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko -- co-created some of the most iconic characters of the Silver Age, including the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Avengers, X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange.

Lee began his career in comics in 1939 at the age of 16, working for Martin Goodman at Timely Comics. He made his writing debut in 1941 with a text filler story in Captain America Comics #3 and wrote his first back-up story for that title two issues later. Lee continued to write for the publisher and, at the age of 19, was installed as interim editor. With a head for business and an eye for comics, Lee graduated to become editor-in-chief and art director of the comics division.

Throughout his illustrious career, which has spanned more than 70 years, Lee has been a writer, editor, publisher, President, and Chairman at Marvel Comics. He's made cameo appearances in 14 films based on his creations and had a supporting role in Kevin Smith's 1995 film, Mallrats.

In 2010, Lee teamed up with Boom! Studios to create three original superheroes titles -- Soldier Zero, Starborn, and The Traveler -- for the publisher, and in January of 2011, he worked with the National Hockey League (NHL) on the Guardian Project, creating a "Guardian" character based on the team mascot for each of the 30 cities with NHL franchises.

"There is no bigger star in all of comics. This will thrill all comics fans on the East Coast," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Personally, I am so excited, I can't wait!"

Lee will be appearing at the Baltimore Comic-Con on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as attending the banquet for the Harvey Awards on Saturday evening. Details regarding ticket pricing for signings and VIP packages will be released over the next few weeks. To receive the latest information about Stan Lee and all of the Baltimore Comic-Con news, sign up for our mailing list at baltimorecomiccom.com!

In addition to Guest of Honor Stan Lee, other confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Nick Cardy (Aquaman, Teen Titans); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (50 Girl 50, X-Men: Schism, New Ultimates); Todd Dezago (Super Hero Squad, The Perhapanauts); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics, Batman Confidential); Michael Golden (creator of Bucky O'Hare); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Brad Guigar (Evil, Inc., Courting Disaster); Steve Hamaker (Bone); Cully Hamner (Red, Red: Eyes Only); Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic, Act-i-Vate); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); Laura Martin (New Avengers, Thor); Mark Morales (Fear Itself cover artist); Kevin Nowlan (Wednesday Comics); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Walter Simonson (Thor); Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL); Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0); Brian Stelfreeze (Wednesday Comics); Karl Story (DC Universe Legacies); Tim Truman (Conan the Cimmerian); Neil Vokes (Flesh & Blood, Eagle: The Original Adventures); and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 21st.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution

promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications

registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations

harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet

general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Washington Examiner (May 26): 32

...if you're interested.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

'Trickster' featured at American Library Association conference

Authors, illustrators discuss "Trickster" graphic novel and honoring cultures
Mon, 05/23/2011
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/authors-illustrators-discuss-trickster-graphic-novel-and-honoring-cultures

- the press release says that Matt Dembicki will be on hand to talk about the anthology.

Kevin Rechin on his cartoonist father Bill

RIP, Bill Rechin: Artist son memorializes 'Crock' cartoonist
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (May 25 2011)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-bill-rechin-artist-son-memorializes-crock-cartoonist/2011/05/24/AGZZQGBH_blog.html

Bill Blackbeard recalls his career

Comic strip savior & historian Bill Blackbeard died earlier this year. An article by him about his career is now available online for the first time -

The Four Color Paper Trail: A Look Back

Bill Blackbeard

Reprinted from the International Journal of Comic Art, 5:2 (Fall 2003).

http://ijoca.blogspot.com/2011/05/bill-blackbeard-reminisces-2003.html

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Flugennock latest cartoon: "Obama's AIPAC Speech, Condensed

Click through to see his thoughts on the cartoon -

http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=856

Obama AIPAC Speech, Condensed

Wash Examiner blog whacks at Ted Rall

What Ted Rall tells us

Christopher Taylor

Washington Examiner 05/23/11 : http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/opinion-zone/2011/05/what-ted-rall-tells-us

Bill Rechin obituary wirestory runs in Post

Cartoonist Bill Rechin, co-creator of 'Crock' comic strip, dies at 80
Washington Post May 24 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/cartoonist-bill-rechin-co-creator-of-crock-comic-strip-dies-at-80/2011/05/23/AFSmt89G_story.html

NPR's Monkey See returns to Sandman

Book Club: Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman: Dream Country,' Part Four

by Linda Holmes and Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (May 24, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/05/24/136611702/book-club-neil-gaimans-the-sandman-dream-country-part-four

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hogan's Alley likes Richard Thompson's chances at the Reuben awards

The National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Awards ceremony is next weekend and Tom Heintjes at Hogan's Alley likes Richard Thompson's chances in the two categories he's nominated in.