Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - January 19, 2012

January 19, 2012

More Polls and Sales! Voting is open on 7 of 9 categories for the Best of 2011, the last two will be up on Friday and Monday. Click the links below to add your voice: Best New Series Best Reprint Best Artist Best Miniseries Best for Kids Best Single Issue Best Writer Best Ongoing Series - on Friday! Best Graphic Novel - on Monday! We finished our Best of 2011 podcast, so you can download or listen to that one now if you want to hear which ones we picked! We are also running sales throughout the month of January! Bethesda is offering 40% off hardcovers this week. College Park is offering 50% off all back issues in the bins and 50% off anything on the sale table. U Street is offering 40% off hardcovers this week. Vienna is offering 40% off hardcovers this week and 40% off all Essentials and Showcases. Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Thanks! - the Big Planet Comics kids Events Feb. 4 - Magic: The Gathering Dark Ascension Tournament Big Planet Comics in College Park will have a Magic: The Gathering tournament for the launch of the new Dark Ascension set on Saturday, February 4, 2012, starting at noon. For more information please contact Peter at our College Park store. Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com May 5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Jeremey Whitley, writer of the new all-ages comic Princeless, will be appearing at our Vienna store for a signing on Saturday, May 5, in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. We will announce the exact time he will be there closer to the event. Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Prophet #21 by Brandon Graham and Simon Roy A complete relaunch of the '90s Prophet series makes this the first issue of an whole new era. John Prophet awakes from cryosleep in the distant future where humanity has devolved and aliens rule the strange new Earth. He begins his mission across this alien Earth, so it's a lot of amazing visuals of his journey. Great art, strange world scifi, amazing! Twelve 1 SC by J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston Speaking of WW2, a group of 12 heroes frozen at the end of the war are awoken by the US government in 2008 and recruited after Civil War to be a face of the government's new patriotic superhero program. But all twelve have problems readjusting to the strange modern world, and then the murders begin! A compelling character based story in the vein of Astro City. Steve Canyon 1: 1948-1948 HC by Milton Caniff A definitive, beautifully reproduced collection of the beginning of perhaps the greatest adventure comic of all time! Caniff's best art, full of beautiful women, dangerous international adventure, and airplanes! Captain Canyon reassembles his WW2 era crew to go into private transport after the war, leading to adventures in the US and South America and the Middle East and more! Dense exciting stories! So good! Marvel Firsts 1970s SC by everyone! Another amazing cross section of the first appearances of a lot of Marvel characters from the 1970s, covering the vast diversity of their line, including war, romance, superhero, horror, adventure, westerns and more! Some include: Ghost Rider! Luke Cage! Man-Thing! Dracula! Shanna the She-Devil! Warlock! The Beast! Night Nurse! Killraven! The Cat! Red Wolf! A great sampler of less-known part of Marvel's comic history. Big Planet Comics Podcast #30 We're back! In this week's podcast Kevin, Nick and Jared discuss local TV infamy, characters battlin', and review all the new stuff. Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com Danger Girl: Revolver #1 by Andy Hartnell and Chris Madden A new Danger Girl joins the team on their new quest. Daredevil #8 by Mark Waid and Kano The Black Cat tries to use DD and makes Spidey jealous! Diablo #2 by Aaron Williams and Joseph LaCroix Jacob and his new ally are hunted by the warriors from his village. Fraggle Rock Classics 1 SC by Stan Kay and Marie Severin Some of the classic Fraggle stories from the 1980s! (all ages) Halo: Fall of Reach: Invasion #1 by Brian Reed and Felix Ruiz Master Chief begins his defense of Reach! Lord of the Jungle #1 by Arvid Nelson and Roberto Castro The violent saga of Tarzan begins on the African coast. Memorial #2 by Chris Johnson and Rich Ellis Em uses her magic key as the Court of Shadows tries to catch her. New Defenders 1 SC by Giffen/Dematteis/Gillis and Perlin/more Far out fantasy including Odin, elves and the New Mutants! Raw Power #1 by Josh Bayer A triply comic about G Gordon Liddy vs. punks and the Cat Man! Steed and Mrs. Peel #1 by Grant Morrison and Ian Gibson The spies from the Avengers TV show in an adventure from 1990. Superior #7 by Mark Millar and Leinil Francis Yu The finale comes as Superior must make a choice about his soul. Uncanny X-Force #20 by Rick Remender and Robbi Rodriguez Fantomex is kidnapped and put on trial for murdering Apocalypse!

Small Press Expo (SPX) registration open

http://www.spxpo.com/exhibitors/exhibitor-registration

OT: Dave Astor on four cartoonists he's known

Long-time Editor and Publisher super cartoonist columnist Dave Astor (who was let go in their last layoffs) has a post on four cartoonists he knew that were all born in the same year. There's a glancing mention of DC, but you should read this because Dave wrote about syndicated comics for 20 years and knows a lot. He's also apparently got a book out - I'm getting more details on it from him. (followup: David reports he's looking for a publisher)

The Complexity of a Fantastic Four

1/19/12 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dave-astor/the-complexity-of-a-fanta_b_1201574.html

2 animation articles in today's Express

Sterling's Gold: An 'Archer' Field Guide
By Fiona Zublin
Express January 19, 2012, p. 15
http://www.expressnightout.com/2012/01/sterlings-gold-an-archer-field-guide/

and

 

The Kids Are All Right: There's a surprising sens of optimism within 'Unsupervised'.

Kevin McDonough / Universal UClick

Express January 19, 2012, p. 17

Jan 23: Former Prince Valiant writer Cullen Murphy at Politics and Prose

Former Prince Valiant writer Cullen Murphy will be at at Politics and Prose bookstore on January 23rd at 7pm signing his new book God's Jury.

 

I'm sure he'd be glad to sign a Prince Valiant collection as well.

Politics and Prose appreciates Doonesbury's appreciation

David Cohen, one of the new store owners, blogs about his bookstore's appearance in Doonesbury.

FoxNews story on big, bad comics

Relaunched Comics Using Sex and Violence To Sell: MyFoxDC.com

Here's that FoxNews story which appears to have been about as bad as guest commentator Ray Bottorff Jr. expected - there's a text article on this site:

Relaunched Comics Using Sex and Violence To Sell
Sherri Ly
myfoxdc 18 Jan 2012,
http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/special_report/relaunched-comics-using-sex-and-violence-to-sell-011812

Big Planet Comic's Jared Smith is quoted (if misidentified). And in Fox's defense (I can't believe I wrote that), Starfire's new approach to casual sex has been questioned in the comics community as well, as has the T&A of the Catwoman comic. Neither of which I'm reading so take my opinion with a grain of salt too.

and here's some commentary:

TV Report Targets DC Comics For Sex and Violence
01/19/2012


I especially like the comparison picture here: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2012/01/18/fox-news-calls-catwoman-fictionalised-playboy

and advice from the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (I'm a member):

Retailer Advisory: How To Manage A Media Attack

January 18th, 2012

By Charles Brownstein

http://cbldf.org/homepage/how-to-manage-a-media-attack/

and although DC wouldn't comment to Fox, here's commentary they did do on the same day:

Why Jim Lee And Dan DiDio Decided To Reboot DC Comics [Video]
BY Kevin Ohannessian and Adam Barenblat
January 18 2012
http://www.fastcompany.com/1809039/jim-lee-dan-didio-dc-comics-relaunch-video

Truitt on Image retread Glory and Dead Man's Run

Glory hallelujah: Image relaunches classic superheroine
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 18 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-18/Glory-comic-book-series-relaunches/52649650/1

....sorry, but "classic superheroine?" I don't think so.

Greg Pak creates a hellish prison for 'Dead Man's Run'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 17 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-17/Dead-Mans-Run-comic-book-series/52621720/1

Interview on revival of Feiffer's Little Murders

Questioning Jules Feiffer's Little Murders at American Century
 by Mike Rhode on Jan. 18, 2012
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/theater/2012/01/18/questioning-jules-feiffers-little-murders-at-american-century/

Walking Dead tv show interview in Examiner

Talking with IronE Singleton of 'The Walking Dead'
By: Patricia Sheridan | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Washington Examiner January 18 2012, p. 21

http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2012/01/talking-irone-singleton-walking-dead/2105846

Telnaes and Wuerker on the future of the editorial cartoon

The Golden Age for Editorial Cartoonists at the Nation's Newspapers is Over
A report presented by The Herb Block Foundation
http://www.herbblockfoundation.org/sites/default/files/imce_uploads/pdfs/hbf2011whitepaper_f1.pdf

Truitt on Billy Fog

Graphic novel 'Billy Fog' stars a boy with 'trouble sight'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 16 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-16/Billy-Fog-graphic-novel/52601694/1

Dale Rawlings chat online

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat With Dale Rawlings
by Mike Rhode on Jan. 17, 2012
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2012/01/17/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-dale-rawlings/

 

Truitt on Nightwing

Nightwing is an inspiring hero in his relaunched series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 16 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-16/Nightwing-comic-book-series/52592040/1

Joshua Luna's Whispers preview online

http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=11078

Richard Thompson taking time off for physical therapy

He's got the story of his break from Cul de Sac here.

Cavna on Tintin books; Toles on Mitt and money

Two new books about Tintin and his creator
By Michael Cavna,
Washington Post January 15 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/two-new-books-about-tintin-and-his-creator/2012/01/11/gIQAzui0wP_story.html

And soon we'll find out
By Tom Toles
January 12 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tom-toles/post/and-soon-well-find-out/2012/01/11/gIQAogq1qP_blog.html

Truitt on Supreme's return, the Activity and cartoons

Image Comics' Erik Larsen takes on a 'Supreme' new role
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 13 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-13/Supreme-comic-book-series/52539116/1

'The Activity' aims for realism with its government intrigue
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 11 2011

DVD sets highlight obscure 'G.I. Joe,' 'Transformers' 'toons
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 10 2012

Short Frank Cho interview online

Interview with Frank Cho at Albuquerque Comic Con, possible Zombie King movie?
Jared Earickson, Albuquerque Comic Books Examiner
January 14, 2012
http://www.examiner.com/comic-books-in-albuquerque/interview-with-frank-cho-at-albuquerque-comic-con-possible-zombie-king-movie

Local guy comments on internet animation

Around minute 22 I have a talking head moment - but the whole program is well done and worth watching. I had a second commentary where I recommended Ann Telnaes' animation on the Washington Post's website, but that didn't make it in - Mike

Nick Muirhead
"Online animators with a political punch,"
Al Jazeera's Listening Post (January 14, 2012): http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/listeningpost/2012/01/201211481528732918.html

Linda Holmes on Beauty and the Beast's return

'Beauty And The Beast' Returns And Enchants, Even In Unneeded 3-D
by Linda Holmes
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (January 14, 2012):
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2012/01/14/145189123/beauty-and-the-beast-returns-and-enchants-even-in-unneeded-3-d

Post's Stuever on new animation

'Napoleon Dynamite,' 'Unsupervised' and 'Archer': Cartoons that feel unanimated
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post January 15 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/television/napoleon-dynamite-again-gosh/2012/01/08/gIQAlwbhwP_story.html

Guest reporter post : Fox 5 News DC Just ran a promo for an upcoming story on comic books

Ray Bottorff Jr reports:

WTTC Fox 5 of Washington DC, ran a promo during the NFC Divisional Playoffs Saturday evening January 14 on an upcoming special report that appears to be a Wertham-style attack on comic books.

Scheduled to air on Wednesday January 18th, on their 11:00 pm newscast, the promo presents to the audience the suggestion that comics are full of sex and violence, using the quote "Playboy meets comics."

With what sensationalized call to arms, the ad purported to show in the news story how parents can "KO" these comics for their kids.

Certainly a 30-second plug for a late night news story will not cover everything that will be mentioned during the story when it airs. But the promo certainly gave the impression that it will malign the industry and deliver the usual stereotypes on how comics are only for kids (never mind that the comics shown are not for kids), and that smut is being peddled by comic book stores to children (which they are not).

What kind of vigilance should comic book fans do to this modern day Wertham-style attack? Swamp Fox 5 with phone calls? Protest at the Fox 5 studios? Something else?

Here's the post-broadcast update.

Wisconsin reader wants Cul de Sac

Seth Kleinschmidt: Maybe it's time to retire `Family Circus'
Wisconsin State Journal January 14, 2012
 http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/opinion/mailbag/seth-kleinschmidt-maybe-it-s-time-to-retire-family-circus/article_d9bce17c-3e1c-11e1-9bb6-001871e3ce6c.html

Yardley on Pogo in tomorrow's Post

"Pogo Through the Wild Blue Wonder: The Complete Syndicated Comic Strips, Volume 1" by Walt Kelly
By Jonathan Yardley,
Washington Post January 15 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/2012/01/03/gIQA5QU0wP_story.html

John Fantucchio's 1967 Rocket Blast 7 fanzine cover

Check it out here:

Parente,William.  1967.
The End of an Era [EC Comics].
Rocket's Blast Special (7): 1-8.
Scans online at  http://randomactsofgeekery.blogspot.com/2012/01/fandom-library-rbcc-special-7-screen.html

John's got artwork on exhibit in Alexandria now.

Comic Riffs on cartoon journalists in Haiti

'HAITI'S SCAPEGOATS': Cartoon Movement's compelling video tells of LGBT abuse
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs (January 13 2012)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/haitis-scapegoats-cartoon-movements-compelling-video-tells-of-lgbt-abuse/2012/01/13/gIQALTwXwP_blog.html

Matt Bors is interviewed.

Beauty and the Beast 3-D opens in area

The Post has put its 1991 reviews of Disney's Beauty and the Beast online.

Napoleon Dynamite cartoon review in today's Express

A new Napoleon Dynamite cartoon is reviewed in today's Express on page 25. It's credited to Hank Steuver and the Post where it will probably appear on Sunday.

Comic strips pushing the envelope

Hey, they're not just for kids anymore! Two that appeared in today's Post are a trifle risque.

 

Doonesbury (1/13/12) gets the word 'douche' in while referring to a person and not a feminine hygiene product, or a cold bath in the 19th century.

 

Sherman's Lagoon (1/13/12) has a circumcision / fellatio gag.

Jan 14-15: Gigacon at Art Institute of Washington

Gigacon is at the Art Institute of Washington this weekend. The guests include cartoonists and animators, and local comic creator Matt Dembicki will be there.

Their Facebook page has a post with the schedule which is:

Jan 14th
10 Panel discussion with all the guests
11 Panel discussion with all the guests
... 12 Lunch
1 Portfolio reviews and Demonstrations
2 Portfolio reviews and Demonstrations
3 One on one with the invited guests

Jan 15th
10 Portfolio reviews and Demonstrations
11 Portfolio reviews and Demonstrations
12 Lunch
1 One on one with the invited guests
2 One on one with the invited guests
3 Alumni panel discussion

Wash Times blogger wants more girl superheroes

Where are all the girl superheros?
by Rebekah Kuschmider
Washington Times' So Here's the Thing blog January 11, 2012
http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/so-heres-thing/2012/jan/11/where-are-all-girl-superheros/

Truitt on Spider-Man clones, DC Comics launches, and Blade anime

A study in 'Scarlet': Spider-Man clone stars in new series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 11 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-11/Scarlet-Spider-comic-series/52496322/1

DC Comics explores new worlds, old favorites with six titles
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 12 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-12/dc-comics-unveils-six-new-series/52504982/1

Seven things to know about DC Comics' new wave of books
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 12 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-12/Seven-facts-about-six-new-DC-Comics-series/52510592/1

Harold Perrineau bites into G4's 'Blade' anime series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY January 12 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-01-12/Harold-Perrineau-stars-in-Blade-anime-series/52519544/1

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - January 12, 2012

January 12, 2012

Polls and Sales! Voting is open on 4 of 9 categories for the Best of 2011, the rest will be up over the next few weeks. Click the links below to add your voice: Best New Series Best Reprint Best Artist Best Miniseries Best for Kids Best Single Issue Best Writer Best Ongoing Series Best Graphic Novel We finished our Best of 2011 podcast, so you can download or listen to that one now if you want to hear which ones we picked! We are also running sales throughout the month of January! Bethesda is offering 30% off hardcovers this week. College Park is offering 50% off all back issues in the bins and 50% off anything on the sale table. U Street is offering 30% off hardcovers this week. Vienna is offering 30% off hardcovers this week and 40% off all Essentials and Showcases. Feel free to forward on our newsletter, and please send us any comments or mailing list requests to vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Thanks!   - the Big Planet Comics kids Spera 1 HC by Josh Tierney, art Kyla Vanderklugt, Hwei, Emily Carroll, Olivier Pichard, Jordyn Bochon, Cécile Brun, Luke Pearson, Leela Wagner, Matt Marblo Two princesses from neighboring kingdoms find out their parents are planning to go to war, so they both escape together. The tomboyish Pira brings along her shape-shifting friend Yonder and all three set out on an adventure to reach the mystical realm of Spera. Each chapter is drawn by a different artist, and each one is amazing! A great selection of art and fun adventure against the threat to their kingdoms and their lives. Scarlet Spider #1 by Chris Yost and Ryan Stegman An issue with extra pages follows Kaine as he leaves New York City to find himself after Spider Island, heading to Houston where he gets involved with a human trafficking ring. When this opportunity to become a hero presents itself, he must decide how much of his own man he is and what he wishes to become. Whispers #1 by Joshua Luna One of the Luna Brothers breaks off on his own to tell the tale of a selfish man with OCD who suddenly discovers that he can leave his body and travel as a spirit to his friends and family. This power allows him to manipulate their choices, will he develop his powers or attempt to meddle too much in their lives? Great art similar to their mutual art style but a nice different look. Invincible 15: Get Smart SC by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley After the carnage and amazing decisions at the end of the Viltrumite War, Invincible begins to question whether always fighting his battles physically is the best solution to facing a problem. Soon he makes another choice that sets him on a collision path with many of his friends. Big Planet Comics Podcast #29 We're back! In this week's podcast Kevin, Nick and Jared review an old X-Men classic, and all the new stuff. Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com Amazing Spider-Man #677 by Mark Waid and Emma Rios The first part of a crossover with Daredevil starring the Black Cat! Batman: Through The Looking Glass HC by Bruce Jones and Sam Keith Batman is drugged and sent on an Alice in Wonderland quest. Dark Matter #1 (Of 4) by Joseph Mallozzi/ Paul Mullie and Garry Brown Strangers with amnesia wake up on a spaceship. Gangsta Rap Posse #2 by Benjamin Marra Violent and offensive satire of early '90s thug life culture. Jim Henson's Dark Crystal 1: Creation Myths HC by Brian Holguin and Alex Sheikman/Lizzy John A prequel to the movie before the arrival of the Skeksis! Lobster Johnson: The Burning Hand #1 by Mike Mignola/John Arcudi and Tonci Zonjic Lobster Johnson takes on the mob and ghost Indians. Lords of Death and Life SC by Jonathon Dalton A Mayan journeys to solve the mystic dreams he receives from the gods. Monster Mess HC by Louis Trondheim Two kids draw a nice monster that comes to life. (all ages) Mystic: Tenth Apprentice SC by G. Willow Wilson and David Lopez Two orphan girls try to join the school for magic. (all ages) The Ray #2 (Of 4) by Justin Gray/Jimmy Palmiotti and Jamal Igle Lucian comes up with a terrible idea to impress his girlfriend's parents. Smurfs: The Return of Smurfette SC by Peyo and Yvan Delporte Smurfette announces she wants to get married, turning the village upside down! (all ages) Steve Ditko Omnibus 2 HC by Steve Ditko and others Nearly 400 pages of classic tales by the master! Transformers: More Than Meets Eye #1 by James Roberts and Nick Roche A group of Transformers vote to leave Cybertron. Wolverine #300 by Jason Aaron and Andy Kubert, Ron Garney, Steve Sanders Wolverine heads back to Japan in this long issue. X-Men Legacy #260.1 by Christos Gage and David Baldeon The teachers attempt to protect the school without worrying the students. Young Justice 1 SC by Kevin Hopps and Mike Norton The young team takes on the Joker! (all ages)

Big Planet Comics  -  426 Maple Ave. East, Vienna, Virginia 22180  -  703.242.9412 Big Planet Comics  -  7315 Baltimore Ave., College Park, Maryland 20740  -  301.699.0498 Big Planet Comics  -  4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, Maryland 20814  -  301.654.6856 Big Planet Comics  -  1520 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20009  -  202.342.1961

PR: Moving Sale! Beyond Comics - Gaithersburg

That's right. We are doing it again. Sorry:( We are MOVING in February!  and the Moving Sale has Begun! 25% to 75% OFF Most Merchandise & Toys 50% OFF Apparel Buy 1 Get 1 Free on Assorted Books and Graphic Novels Watchmen Poster $1 each 50% OFF Green Lantern * Captain America * Thor Movie Toys 50% DC Direct Brightest Day Action Figures 25% OFF Board Games 50% 2010 and older Heroclix 50% WOW CCGs 40% Off Select Non-Sports Trading Cards We are Selling Some of Our Fixtures Too! Slat Wall - $40 sheet (available in February) A-Frame Comic Rack $80 Manga Spinner Rack $30 * Visit the Gaithersburg Store for Details! Our New Location Will Be: 18749 B North Frederick Rd. Gaithersburg, Maryland 20879 301-216-0007

Beyond Comics | Gaithersburg Square | 536 North Frederick Avenue | Gaithersburg | MD | 20878

Scooped again! City Paper drops comics again

I waited for this to be a trend with week 2's paper arriving today, so I was scooped again.  More to the point, I'll miss the comics. It was great to see them on the last page, especially Derf's The City.

 

Here's all you need to know:

 

Citing Budget Reasons, City Paper Drops Comic Strips

By Benjamin R. Freed 

DCist January 11, 2012

 http://dcist.com/2012/01/comic_strips_out_at_city_paper.php

Jan 26: APOCALYPTOON 2012 exhibit at Artisphere

APOCALYPTOON 2012

In Partnership with Art Soiree

THU JAN 26 - SUN JAN 29
$25 ticketed opening party on Jan 26 / On view for free Jan 27-29
Terrace Gallery

Buy Tickets

Ticketed opening party: Thu Jan 26 / 6pm / $25

Against the backdrop of a region steeped in politics and with a touch of art, style and humor, Art Soiree will unveil what 2012 will bring by presenting a unique pop-up exhibition that takes a humorous outlook on the year to come and features works, some created exclusively for this exhibition, by renowned editorial and political cartoonists. ApocalypToon 2012 features works, some of which were created exclusively for this exhibition, by cartoonists such as Kal of The Economist, Tom Toles of The Washington Post, Jeff Danziger (Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post), Daryl Cagle of MSNBC, Matt Wuerker of Politico, Damien Glez (La Monde, Courrier International, La Gazette) and Dan Piraro of Bizzaro. These simple pen stroke political cartoons foreshadow the future, poke fun at the past and imply hidden motives in ways that elude written or spoken reporting. The result of this creative license is a unique perspective on the future—entertaining, clever and insightful.

ApocolypToon kicks off with a $25 ticketed opening party on Thursday, January 26 at 6pm where guests can mingle with exhibiting cartoonists and enjoy complimentary food, live music and a cash bar. The pop-up exhibition in Artisphere's Terrace Gallery is free and open to the public from Friday, January 27 to Sunday, January 29.

Continuing with the zany nature of the cartoons, the ticketed party on January 26 celebrates the opening of the exhibit with live music from local journo-band Suspicious Package, comprised of reporters armed with their musical talent and rock star looks. The contents of the Suspicious Package are: Pulitzer Prize-winning Editorial Cartoonist at The Washington Post Tom Toles, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Dr. Christina Sevilla, Deputy Assistant Secretary of HUD Bryan Greene, former TIME/Bloomberg correspondent and journalist Tim Berger and Director of Education and Outreach for the National Security Journalism Initiative at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Josh Meyer.

The opening party will also feature the sounds of DJ Neekola, international DC-based female DJ and producer, who will perform along with live percussionist Kamajian. In addition, the party includes a special guest performance by DJ Manifesto, an all-time DC favorite who both DJs and plays violin during his sets.

ApocalypToon 2012 is part of Notasphere, a month of programming created by local artistic collaborators. From a pop-up restaurant and political cartoons to Brazilian beats, Artisphere will be filled with fresh, thought-provoking off-beat arts events presented by creative partners from across the DC-region throughout January 2012.

New comics store in Vienna offers Living Social deal

Game On! Comics

$30 to Spend on Comic Books and Games

^$15

buy now!

 

You fold laundry, cook dinner, and double-check math homework -- sometimes all at once. The only thing separating you and the superheroes in your kids' comic books is a cape and a full spandex suit. Pull one more valiant feat, and nab today's deal from Game On! Comics in Vienna. Pay just $15 and get $30 worth of comic books and games from this brand-new independent retailer, where the shelves are lined with DC and Marvel favorites, as well as titles from independent publishers. And don't miss the store's huge game section, featuring games for your little ones as well as for your whole family. That's not a bird or a plane -- it's a half-off deal that will have your kids marveling at your superhuman powers.

 

Tip courtesy of Lisa Cherkasky
Food Stylist and Writer
Website: www.lisacherkasky.com
Blog:       www.thelunchencounter.com

Feiffer play onstage in Arlington

A revival of Jules Feiffer's dark play Little Murders opens tomorrow Friday January 13th (hmmm) and runs to Feb. 11 at Gunston Theatre Two, 2700 S. Lang St., Arlington, 703-998-4555,
http://americancentury.org .

 

and here's the Post's favorable preview:

 

Death and mayhem: Gadzooks! In 'Little Murders,' making dark comedy of exaggerated violence [online title: "Backstage: Death and mayhem in 'Little Murders'"
By Jessica Goldstein
Washington Post (January 11 2012)
online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/backstage-death-and-mayhem-in-little-murders/2012/01/10/gIQAaMnMpP_story.html

 

That darn Beeler, Salt Lake City edition

Outrageous cartoon
Kathleen Preston Knight
Salt Lake Tribune Jan 11 2012
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/53261313-82/constitution-obama-recess-senate.html.csp

Publishers Weekly on Buzzboy

New Buzzboy Graphic Novel Out in Print, the Web, on iPad
By Calvin Reid
Dec 21, 2011
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/49926-new-buzzboy-graphic-novel-out-in-print-the-web-on-ipad.html