Friday, July 22, 2011

Comic Riffs notes a familiar face in Barney & Clyde

'BARNEY & CLYDE' finds inspiration in a little 'Peanuts' farming
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/barney-and-clyde-finds-inspiration-in-a-little-peanuts-farming/2011/07/20/gIQAcMmeTI_blog.html

Post likes Big Planet Comics

The Washington Post's Weekend section featured 12 local sites in Georgetown and Big Planet Comics was one of them. Click here and go to page 21.

Local reviews of Captain America

'Captain America,' a superhero film with a heart for the little guy
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post July 22, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-first-avenger-captain-america,1158824/critic-review.html
 
Captain America entertains the country -- then and now
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner July 22 2011 http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/07/captain-america-entertains-country-then-and-now
 
Lemire, Christy / Associated Press.  2011.
Real American Hero: 'Captain America' may not have much new to say, but its dignified approach is refreshing.
[Washington Post] Express (July 22): 29

Thursday, July 21, 2011

USA Today's Comic-Con recs put comics last

Guide to what is bound to create buzz at Comic-Con
By Bill Keveney, Mike Snider, Scott Bowles and Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 21 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-07-19-comic-con-buzz_n.htm

Disney and Meatball films at National Archives in August

"What's Cooking, Uncle Sam?" Programs relating to our new exhibit include discussions on "The Frozen Sucker War" (July 12), The Astronaut's Cookbook (July 20), A White House Garden Cookbook (August 5), and screenings of Willie Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (July 16), The Plow That Broke the Plains & The Land (July 27), Walt Disney short films (August 18), and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (August 20).

Thursday, August 18, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
From The Vaults: Walt Disney, Food, and the Government Film

We present a selection of short films Walt Disney created for the U.S. Government, including Out of the Frying Pan Into the Firing Line (1942), Water, Friend or Enemy (1943), and The Grain that Built the Hemisphere (1943).

Saturday, August 20, at noon
William G. McGowan Theater
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Based on the children's book by Judy Barrett, this animated adventure follows a scientist who tries to solve world hunger only to see things go awry as food falls from the sky in abundance. (2009; 90 minutes)

 

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Fanzine turned fine artist John Fantucchio in U.S.A. Art Show through this week

Sorry for the short time left in this - a computer virus crippled my machine recently.

This is a courtesy reminder of John Fantucchio's art exhibit and sale at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA., 22301-1124.  The artwork is inspired by U. S. people, places, and/or things.  He has two exciting paintings - one reminiscent of the good old days, and the other is a futuristic trek to a far distant world painted with electrifying colors, which will dazzle the senses and take you one strop beyond.  Many paintings by other Del Ray artists are also on exhibit and for sale.  Any questions, call 703-237-6887.  The exhibit will run until Friday, July 22, 2011.  

Brian Truitt justifies his attendance at San Diego Comic Con

Grant Morrison chronicles 'Supergods' of comics
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 20 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-20-Grant-Morrison-teaches-the-history-of-superheroes-in-Supergods_n.htm

Comic-Con showcases average heroes
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2011-07-19-comic-con-preview_n.htm

First 'Amazing Spider-Man' figure swings into Comic-Con
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-First-Amazing-Spider-Man-movie-figure-swings-into-Comic-Con_n.htm

Robert Kirkman and friends are as thick as 'Thieves'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-Robert-Kirkman-and-friends-team-for-Thief-of-Thieves-comic_n.htm

Marvel launches 'Season One' superhero graphic novels
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-19-Marvel-launches-Season-One-line-of-superhero-graphic-novels_n.htm

Tom Spurgeon's Team Cul de Sac Fanzine contribution now online

You should still buy the zine, however...

On Jaime Hernandez's The Death Of Speedy
By Tom Spurgeon
For Favorites, The Team Cul De Sac Favorite Comic Zine, 2011
http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/otbp_favorites_the_team_cul_de_sac_favorite_comic_zine/

Weldon on Captain America

A Quick Cap Recap: Your Cheat Sheet To The Man, The Myth, & The Mighty Shield

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 20, 2011

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/07/20/138518029/a-quick-cap-recap-your-cheat-sheet-to-the-man-the-myth-the-mighty-shield

Aug 25: ComicsDC's Warren Bernard at Politics and Prose

Warren Bernard - Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising

Aug 25 2011 7:00 pm
Aug 25 2011 7:00 pm
The comic strip has its roots in advertising as well as in art. In the first book-length study of these dual sources, Rick Marschall, founder of Nemo: The Classic Comics Library, and Bernard, a prolific commentator on and extensive collector of cartoons, look at work from the 1890s to the present, documenting how popular cartoon characters like the Yellow Kid, Little Orphan Annie, Dagwood, and a platoon of super heroes have figured in advertising campaigns. 
 
Long-time ComicsDC readers may recall Warren's Secret History of Comics articles for us. Now he's got a whole book of them.

PR: Small Press Expo welcomes back former Ignatz winners as guests for 2011

Small Press Expo welcomes back former Ignatz winners as guests for 2011 

For Immediate Release                             
Contact: Warren Bernard
                                                                                                                                               E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; July 20, 2011 – The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons welcomes back a significant number of former Ignatz award winners as guests for SPX 2011.

The Ignatz Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comics and Cartooning is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry. Nominees for the awards are announced in August and are voted on by SPX attendees during the festival. The Ignatz Awards Presentation is open to the public and will be held on Saturday night, September 10 at 9PM.

Former Ignatz winners attending SPX 2011 include:

Craig Thompson
Ignatz for Outstanding Artist and Outstanding GN or Collection, 2004, Blankets
http://www.dootdootgarden.com/

Sarah Glidden
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2008, How To Understand Israel in 60 Days or Less
http://www.smallnoises.com/


Ken Dahl
Ignatz for Outstanding Story, 2010, Monsters
http://www.gabbysplayhouse.com/

Mike Dawson
Ignatz for Outstanding Online Comic, 2010, Troop 142
http://www.mikedawsoncomics.com/

Lisa Hanawalt
Ignatz for Outstanding Comic, 2010, I Want You
http://lisahanawalt.com/

Jim Rugg
Ignatz for Outstanding Mini-Comic, 2010, Rambo 3.5
http://jimrugg.blogspot.com/

Collen Frakes
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2009, Woman King
http://www.tragicrelief.com/

Greg Means
Ignatz for Outstanding Anthology or Collection, 2008, Papercutter #7 (editor)
http://tugboatpress.com/

Nate Powell
Ignatz for Outstanding Debut, 2008 Swallow Me Whole
http://www.seemybrotherdance.org/

Tom Neely
Ignatz for Promising New Talent, 2007, The Blot (I Will Destroy You)
http://www.iwilldestroyyou.com/

Alex Robinson
Ignatz for Outstanding Graphic Novel, 2006, Tricked
http://www.comicbookalex.com/

Carla Speed McNeil
Ignatz for Outstanding Series, 2005, Finder
http://www.lightspeedpress.com/

Dave Roman
Ignatz for Outstanding Debut, 2004, Teen Boat #6: VOTE BOAT
http://yaytime.com/


Detailed information about all of our announced guests is available at the SPX web site at www.spxpo.com. Additional guests will be announced on the Website as they are confirmed.

Interviews with cartoonists can be arranged by contacting the SPX press office at the email or telephone listed above.

About SPX

SPX is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators, as well as a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests.

As in previous years, 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.

The hours for SPX 2011 are 11am–7pm Saturday, September 10, and 12–6pm Sunday, September 11. Admission is $10 for a single day or $15 for the weekend.



Tuesday, July 19, 2011

State Dept. tour leads to Egyptian woman cartoonist interview in Western media

Hills, Carol.  2011.

Global Political Cartoons: Egyptian Cartoonist Doaa Eladl.

PRI's The World (July 14): http://www.theworld.org/2011/07/global-political-cartoons-egyptian-cartoonist-doaa-eladl/

 

Click on the video screen to hear the interview and see the cartoons.

 

 


Team Cul de Sac's FAVORITES Zine Available for Mail Order

For a fundraising effort near-and-dear to Our Man Thompson's heart, and one in which I have a slight contribution...

From: Craig Fischer

This is just a note to let you know that we're finally selling the Favorite zine through mail order. There's a PayPal button up now on the Team Cul de Sac blog [http://teamculdesac.blogspot.com/]. I've sold about $300 worth of the zines so far at conventions and to friends, but I'm confident that we'll sell a lot more now that people can mail-order.

PR: Intervention Con in September

INTERVENTION CONVENTION BRINGS CYBER-LIFE TO REAL LIFE

Event brings creators and fans together for weekend of learning and fun

ROCKVILLE, MD, June 14, 2011:

Intervention, taking place at the Hilton Washington DC/Rockville in Rockville, MD, from September 16-18, 2011, is an indie creator and geek culture convention for the Internet generation. One part conference, one part fandom event, Intervention aims to provide both creators and fans a venue to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the opportunities technology provides.

"James [Harknell] and I wanted to put together an event that would complement the existing print-centric conventions – we wanted to showcase the creators who use the Internet as their primary publishing method,"

says convention founder Onezumi Hartstein. "I went to conventions for years to promote my webcomic, and was always treated well, but felt that web creators needed their own space. We're giving them that with Intervention." After a very successful first run in 2010, this year will mark Hartstein's second time organizing the event.

Over thirty guests are currently scheduled to attend, bringing three days of panels and educational workshops. Fans of all stripes are also encouraged to submit their own cutting-edge programming, showcase their own works, and schedule their own meetups at the event. A special track of children's programming will be overseen by Matt Blum, managing editor of the GeekDad blog on Wired.com.

Sponsored by Think Geek (www.thinkgeek.com), Wacom (www.wacom.com), Foam Brain Games (www.foambrain.com), 4Imprint (www.4imprint.com), Squishable (www.squishable.com), and Toy Vault (www.toyvault.com), the convention will also feature video and board gaming, an extensive Artist Alley, live action roleplay (LARP), musical performances, a Steampunk-themed dance, and plenty of giveaways. A charity auction will benefit the Electronic Frontier Foundation (www.eff.org), a civil liberties group that aims to defend freedom on the Internet.

Tickets for Intervention can be bought at http://www.interventioncon.com for $35 for the full weekend (through June 30, 2011). Tickets bought at the door will cost $45, with single-day rates available. More information about guests and events can be found at http://www.interventioncon.com.

Beeler's Harry Potter cartoon leads to commentary

http://hotair.com/archives/2011/07/17/beeler-on-magical-thinking-and-the-debt/

Truitt on Superman

Superman flying solo in DC Comics relaunch

By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY July 18 2011

http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-07-18-superman-a-bachelor-in-comics-relaunch_n.htm

PEPCO to use stop motion animation in commercials

For those not in DC, PEPCO is the local electrical utility.  Here's a link to the PR:
 
Pepco Launches New Latino Advertising Campaign Using Stop Motion Animation to Deliver its Conservation Message
 Press Release Source: MAYA Advertising and Communications On Tuesday July 19, 2011,
 

Monday, July 18, 2011

July 20: Dan Wasserman speaks on political cartoons at Smithsonian

It’s a Draw: Political Cartooning Evening Seminar
Wednesday, July 20 - 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

With the stroke of a pen, great political cartoonists bring clarity to political chaos. Over the centuries, they have used brevity to capture burning issues of their day—from war to civil rights. In the 19th century, Thomas Nast created the elephant as the symbol of the Republican Party. Washington Post cartoonist Herblock signaled Nixon’s tarnished image by giving him a thug-like beard.

Sharing drawings from his 30 years in the profession and examples from his predecessors, Boston Globe cartoonist Dan Wasserman, whose work is syndicated in 40 newspapers, discusses the history of the craft from the days of Benjamin Franklin to the Obama years. He also gives you the chance to write a caption for one of his political cartoons. The winner receives a signed copy of the cartoon.

$35 Member
$32 Senior Member
$45 Gen. Admission


LOCATION:
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Metro: Smithsonian Mall Exit (Blue/Orange)

Quick Tix Code: 1H0-764