Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - February 16, 2012

February 16, 2012

Nate Powell next week Howdy, folks! Don't forget Nate Powell will be at our Vienna store next Friday, February 24th from 6-730 pm to sign and discuss the new amazing book he illustrated, The Silence of Our Friends. In addition to appearing at our Vienna store, he will also be appearing at the Shaw Neighborhood Library (1630 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20001) from 7-830 pm on Wednesday, February 22nd. So if you live in DC or Maryland or can't make it out to his appearance in Vienna, check it out at the library! Co-authors Mark Long and Jim Demonakos will also be appearing. We will have copies of The Silence of Our Friends for sale after the talk at the library. 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 UPCOMING February 18 - Warhammer 40,000 Apocalypse Battle Big Planet Comics in College Park will have a massive Apocalypse size battle for the Warhammer 40K game, Saturday, February 18, starting at noon. For more information please contact Peter at our College Park store. Noon-? Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com UPCOMING February 24 - Nate Powell Signing Nate Powell, Eisner Award and Ignatz Award winning creator of Swallow Me Whole and Any Empire, will be at our Vienna store February 24, from 6:00 to 7:30. His new book is The Silence of Our Friends, a really powerful book about the civil rights movement in Texas in the 1960s and two families, one black and one white, who become friends and get caught up in the middle of everything. The co-author's based the story on the true events that took place, and one of the main characters is the father of one of the authors.  6-730 pm Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com A Devil and Her Love Song 1 SC by Miyoshi Tomori A girl has just been transferred to a new high school after being kicked out of her private Catholic school for fighting with a teacher. She is incredibly blunt and perceptive about people's real intentions, but is unable to filter that to maintain a friendship. Several boys show interest in her, but many of the girls in her class begin to gang up on her. A very interesting character and compelling story about the drama of high school! Athos in America HC by Jason Jason is back with a new collection of short stories, including a return of Athos from his amazing The Last Muskateer! This collection includes a wide variety that shows Jason's range, including a crime story about a criminal who escapes from prison and his old boss who is on a murder spree, and a strange tale about a man named Jason who has a terrible and violent breakup with his girlfriend! Whispers in the Walls SC by David Munoz and Tirso After her parents are killed, a young girl is taken to a strange facility where scientists claim to be researching a terrible disease she has contracted. But she remembers a terrible vampiric monster as the cause of her parents' death, and when she meets the other children there, they begin to realize that there is a secret war going on, a war of fantastic monsters throughout the ages. Pigs 1: Hello, Cruel World SC by Nate Crosby, Ben McCool and Breno Tamura A truly great spy/thriller! A group of KGB spies undercover in Cuba since the Missile Crisis of the '60s are finally activated and their now grown children are sent on their first mission - to invade the United States! But in this day and age, who knows how to activate Soviet sleeper agents? And what is their true mission? Hint: it involves the President of the United States! Glory #23 by Joe Keatinge and Ross Campbell Another relaunch of a defunct superhero from the Extreme line of the '90s, this is another major overhaul, basically starting a new series. Glory was part of the superheroes fighting the Nazis in World War II, and is similar to Wonder Woman in many ways. But now she has been missing for many years and a young woman who is dreaming about her continues her quest to find out where she is. With amazing art by Ross Campbell! Peter Panzerfaust #1 by Kurtis Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins Speaking of World War II, this is a playful and yet dark-tinged adventure of a young American boy named Peter who teams up with a group of French boys during the battle between German and Allied forces during the invasion of France. Yet Peter seems to have strange powers that pay homage to the Peter Pan story. A very interesting start! Big Planet Comics Podcast #33 In this week's podcast Kevin, Nick and Jared discuss the best question ever, comic book product placement, and review all the new stuff. Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com   2/18 - Warhammer 40K Apocalypse Battle Noon 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 2/24 - Nate Powell Signing The Silence of Our Friends 6-730pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 3/3 - Magic Bullet Release Party & BBQ Noon-3pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com 3/11 - Dan Piraro Signing Bizarro 6-7pm 1520 U St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-342-1961 greg@bigplanetcomics.com   4/14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com   5/5 - Free Comic Book Day All stores! freecomicbookday.com   5/5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Princeless 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Princeless 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 5/5 - Jorge Aguirre Signing Giants Beware! 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Giants Beware! 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 7/4 - 20% off Sale All stores! 7/28 - Matt Dembicki Signing Xoc 11am-1pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Signing Xoc 3pm-5pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Army of Darkness #1 by Elliot R. Serrano and Marat Mychaels Ash from a different dimension tries to fight the Deadite menace in… ancient Egypt? Astonishing X-Men: Ultimate Collection 1 SC by Joss Whedon and John Cassaday The first of two huge books collecting all of Whedon and Cassaday's amazing run of X-Men comics! Daredevil #9 by Mark Waid and Paolo Rivera When someone starts stealing bodies, Daredevil must venture into the realm of the Mole Man! DC Super-Pets SC by various and Art Baltazar TWELVE new adventures of the Super-Pets came out this week. TWELVE! (all ages) Madwoman of the Sacred Heart SC by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius A strange and surreal adventure by two powerhouses of European comics! Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi: Force Storm #1 The first appearance of The Force and the Jedi! Ultimate Comics Spider-Man 1 HC by Brian Michael Bendis and Sara Pichelli The first story arc of Milo Morales as the new Spider-Man! Uncanny X-Force 2: Deathlok Nation SC by Rick Remender, Rafael Albuquerque and Esad Ribic The events begin to build towards the epic story of the Dark Angel Saga!

like us on Facebook | follow us on Twitter | subscribe on iTunes | forward to a friend  Copyright © 2012 Big Planet Comics, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for our mailing list either online or at one of our stores. 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: This Saturday: Meet the creators of STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE

Meet the creators of  Strange Talent of Luther Strode  Saturday 2/18/12 Hello Third Eye Faithful! I'm literally about to spontaneous combust with excitement as I write this. Seriously, if Kirby dots were real, you'd see them crackling around my hands as I'm typing. That's how pumped I am about our signing with two of the most promising comics to debut in the last few years.  This Saturday, we're stoked, and we're honored, to have rising star IMAGE COMICS newcomers, JUSTIN JORDAN and TRADD MOORE, to Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, MD to sign copies of their hit new IMAGE series, The Strange Talent of Luther Strode.  The Strange Talent of Luther Strode debuted this past Fall, and took the comic industry by storm. Selling out it's initial first printings, and going to 2nd and 3rd prints, this hot new IMAGE series took the idea and energy of Mark Millar's KICK-ASS and... and made it even more kick-ass!  JUSTIN JORDAN AND TRADD MOORE WILL BE SIGNING AT THIRD EYE COMICS IN ANNAPOLIS THIS SAT. 2/18 FROM 11AM-2PM!  Be One of the First 15 In Line for A Special Free Gift! Click here for the event info on FACEBOOK! What's the Strange Talent of Luther Strode about? The story focuses on a young teenage comics fan (and, c'mon, how can you not love a comic where the protagonist has ALL STAR SUPERMAN and 100 BULLETS posters on his wall), and his desire to bulk up. He sends away for one of those Charles Atlas ads in the back of a comic, and ends up getting totally jacked up and super-powered. So, of course, he decides to fight crime, and then somewhere along the way: he realizes he's being built into a lean, mean fighting machine so that he fulfills an age-old prophecy of mass-murder, and genocide. Totally awesome, and a must for any fan of KICK-ASS, IRREDEEMABLE, or THE BOYS, this book is INCREDIBLE, and we're stoked to have the creators in store this Saturday in support of it. We'll have plenty of copies of STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE #1-5 in stock today, tomorrow, and of course, SATURDAY, for the signing, so that you can catch up on this incredible new series.  Make sure you pop by, and meet these guys though, 'cause considering this book has been such a huge hit, we can only imagine how big they're going to be in 1 year from now with future projects on the way.  BE ONE OF THE FIRST 15 THIRD EYE FAITHFUL IN LINE SATURDAY MORNING, AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL FREE GIFT COURTESY OF THE STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE If you're one of the first 15 in line, you'll receive a very special free gift courtesy of the STRANGE TALENT OF LUTHER STRODE, that will be limited to this event only. :) We can't say what it is, but we can say this: it's awesome. So, get here early, and get your chance to score some rad swag!

Third Eye Comics | 45 Old Solomons Island Rd | Suite 102 | Annapolis | MD | 21401

Newspaper says Batman movie fans demand Heath Ledger

Moviegoers Not Interested In Hearing What Is, Isn't Possible, Demand Heath Ledger 'Dark Knight Rises' Appearance
Onion February 16, 2012
online at http://www.theonion.com/articles/moviegoers-not-interested-in-hearing-what-is-isnt,27388/

Cartoonists Rights Network says "Nominate a cartoonist for the Courage Award"

We are accepting nominations up until February 29th for the 2012 CRNI Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning.  The link just below the news article on the front page of our website will take you to the Courage Award page which explains what the award is as well as how one can nominate a deserving cartoonist.    

Cartoonists Rights Network International

Protecting your Free Speech, one cartoonist at a time.

Website: http://www.cartoonistsrights.org/

Post likes "The Secret World of Arrietty" of course

A review of the new Studio Ghibli movie -
A tiny movie with outsize charms
By Amy Joyce
Washington Post Feb. 17, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/the-secret-world-of-arrietty-kari-gurashi-no-arietti,1210669/critic-review.html

 

Cul de Sac guest cartoonists start on Monday

'CUL DE SAC' GUEST ARTISTS MOVE IN MONDAY: On hiatus, Thompson asks 6 top cartoonists to take a shot at his strip

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 17 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/cul-de-sac-guest-artists-move-in-monday-on-hiatus-thompson-asks-6-top-cartoonists-to-take-a-shot-at-his-strip/2012/02/16/gIQAqHOyIR_blog.html

Truitt on Epic Kill, City Paper on Adam WarRock

Girl gone wild, gracefully, in 'Epic Kill' comic
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 15 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-15/Epic-Kill-comic-book-series/53109106/1

You Dare Call That Thing Human?!? Adam WarRock (Silver Age)
 A comic-book rapper's sophomore full-length: Excelsior!
By David Dunlap Jr.
Washington City Paper February 17, 2012
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/42228/adam-warrocks-you-dare-call-that-thing-human-reviewed-a/

Examiner on Oscar-nominated animation shorts

A group of gems for those with short attention spans [online title: A group of gems for the short-attention-spanned].
Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner February 12 2012, p 22
http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/movies/2012/02/group-gems-short-attention-spanned/258361

Truitt on Capullo's Batman

Artist Greg Capullo draws Batman into Gotham City nightmare
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 13 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-13/Batman-comic-book-series/53077898/1

Comic Riffs on Google's animated Valentine

VALENTINE'S DAY GOOGLE DOODLE: Today's charming musical animation makes for one sweet gift
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 14 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/valentines-day-google-doodle-todays-charming-musical-animation-makes-for-one-sweet-gift/2012/02/13/gIQA15kOCR_blog.html#pagebreak

VALENTINE'S GOOGLE DOODLE INTERVIEW: Animator 'Lippy' Lipman takes us behind the scenes (and screens)
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 14 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/valentines-google-doodle-interview-animator-lippy-lipman-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-and-screens/2012/02/14/gIQAdCpBER_blog.html#pagebreak

PR: Cartoonish Josh Neufeld featured in NEA Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts writes in:

 

The most recent issue of the NEA's quarterly magazine NEA Arts featuring cover art and story from Josh Neufeld, non-fiction writer and cartoonist.

 

NEA Arts innovation issue featuring Josh Neufeld

 

Josh introduces this issue of NEA Arts focusing on innovation through eight interviews with artists from a range of artistic disciplines including animation filmmaker Chris Miller. Additional features look at the work of four artists via video and audio.

Josh is a NYC-based artist, but he often shows up at SPX - and the NEA is local of course.

PR: Small Press Expo 2012 Tables Sold Out; Exhibitor List Now Available

Small Press Expo 2012 Tables Sold Out; Exhibitor List Now Available

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

Bethesda, Maryland; February 14, 2012 – The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons, welcomes our 2012 exhibitors to this years show, which features special guests Dan Clowes and Chris Ware.

SPX increased the floor space and table count this year, but tables sold out faster than in any previous year. 

A partial list of exhibitors is available on the SPX website at spxpo.com/exhibitors. SPX will continue to update the online exhibitor list over the next two weeks as application processing is finalized.

Creators and publishers who have submitted applications who are not in the online list will be notified of your status by March 1. No further applications are being accepted, but information on a wait list will be available in March once final assignments are made.

Any questions about the status of table reservations should be sent to exhibitors@spxpo.com.

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 the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program, which gifts graphic novels to public and academic libraries, as well as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), which protects 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.

SPX 2012 will be held Saturday, September 15  and Sunday, September 16.  For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Post on Walking Dead and stock character type

'Redneck Jedi' to the rescue! [Online title: On 'The Walking Dead,' the Redneck Jedi bridges red-blue state divide].
By Aaron Leitko,
Washington Post February 12 2012, p. B3
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/on-the-walking-dead-the-redneck-jedi-bridges-red-blue-state-divide/2012/02/07/gIQAiREa4Q_story.html

Curls continues in Cartoonist Studio contest

Carolyn writes:

Good news: "Curls" has made it into WEEK TWO of voting, thanks to your votes. They have re-set the vote counter, so please continue to vote every 6 hours for maximum support - or try to vote when you can - or whenever you go online. I know it's a lot to ask, but your vote counts in this 10 week contest. Let's make this happen.

http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Contestant/244/Carolyn-Belefski

Post interviews French 24-Hour comic creator Boulet

THE BOULET INTERVIEW: Inside'The Darkness,' the secrets of a great 24-hour comic
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 13 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-boulet-interview-insidethe-darkness-the-secrets-of-a-great-24-hour-comic/2012/02/06/gIQAd7dpAR_blog.html#pagebreak

Truitt on Mr. Potato and Comic Book Men

Kevin Smith unmasks his inner nerd in 'Comic Book Men'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 10 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/story/2012-02-10/Comic-Book-Men-Kevin-Smith/53032004/1

Super spuds: DC Comics heroes get Mr. Potato Head treatment

By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 12 2012

http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-12/Batman-Superman-Potato-Head-toys/53058490/1

KAL returns to Baltimore Sun

Here's a video:

KAL is back
 February 11, 2012
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bal-kal-is-back-20120210,0,6167206.story

Local collector shows his stuff

Saturday Shelf Porn | Order in the court — and on the comic shelves features Chris Campbell from Northern Virginia, and his well-presented collection.  There's some nice original art there too.

Post reviews Comic Book Men tv show

'Comic Book Men': Kevin Smith's insular world of supergeeks
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post February 11, 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/comic-book-men-kevin-smiths-insular-world-of-supergeeks/2012/02/06/gIQApsZH4Q_story.html

Post on the upcoming Tezuka and Astro Boy play

Astro Boy in three dimensions, by a director who thinks multi-dimensionally
By Peter Marks,
February 12 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater-dance/astro-boy-in-three-dimensions-by-a-director-who-thinks-multi-dimensionally/2012/02/07/gIQARNeI4Q_story.html

Truitt on Road Rage

Stephen King, son Joe Hill team for 'Road Rage' series
By Brian Truitt and Carol Memmott, USA TODAY February 9 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-09/Stephen-King-Joe-Hill-Road-Rage-series/53038574/1

Feb 15-20: Disney on Ice

Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic, Verizon Center, tickets $20-75.

I've been to at least 1 Disney ice show and they do a fine job for what it is.

 

Be a Ripsnorter with Winsor McCay

From an April 1913 newspaper. I figured I wasn't going to find an original button, but could enjoy a reasonable facsimile. Buy it now, and use it in comics con crowds.

Winsor McCay's Legion of Ripsnorters' Rhinocerous by mrhode

Winsor McCay's Legion of Ripsnorters' Rhinocerous

Round the Ripsnorters' Campfire - Pipe the button especially designed for members of the Legion of Ripsnorters. Isn't it a corker? The rhinocerous is probably the greatest ripsnorter of all big game. When he charges something's got to go. And so with our own fellow Ripsnorters. When one of them yells "Gangway!' ordinary people had better jump. Henceforth the rhinocerous is the Legion's mascot and emblem. The button has been especially designed by Winsor McCay, the famous Ripsnorter of Sheepshead Baya. He has been elected official artist by the executive committee. All members of the Legion of Ripsnorters should wear one of the buttons. (April 13, 1913)

Put a Shrek in Your Bed says hotel chain

Available in DC!  (or suburban MD rather)

Gaylord Hotels Adds Character to Birthday Parties with The DreamWorks Experience Birthday Celebration
Celebrate with Beloved Characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda or Madagascar
Liz Feldman
Nashville, Tenn. (PRWEB) February 08, 2012
news.yahoo.com/gaylord-hotels-adds-character-birthday-parties-dreamworks-experience-214615252.html

and help their bottom line in 2012!

Cartoons buoy Gaylord National in down year
Occupancy and revenues picked up in fourth quarter
by Lindsey Robbins, Staff Writer
February 9 2012
http://www.gazette.net/article/20120209/NEWS/702099984/1097/cartoons-buoy-gaylord-national-in-down-year&template=gazette

Big Planet Comics Orbit Newsletter - February 9, 2012

February 9, 2012

Even More Events! Check out the list in the right column to see all the events we have coming up, some of our newest additions are signings by Nate Powell, Dan Piraro and Jorge Aguirre all coming up! 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 UPCOMING February 18 - Warhammer 40,000 Apocalypse Battle Big Planet Comics in College Park will have a massive Apocalypse size battle for the Warhammer 40K game, Saturday, February 18, starting at noon. For more information please contact Peter at our College Park store. Noon-? Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com NEW! February 24 - Nate Powell Signing Nate Powell, Eisner Award and Ignatz Award winning creator of Swallow Me Whole and Any Empire, will be at our Vienna store February 24, from 6:00 to 7:30. His new book is The Silence of Our Friends, a really powerful book about the civil rights movement in Texas in the 1960s and two families, one black and one white, who become friends and get caught up in the middle of everything. The co-author's based the story on the true events that took place, and one of the main characters is the father of one of the authors.  6-730 pm Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com NEW! March 11 - Dan Piraro Signing Dan Piraro, will be appearing at our U Street store March 11, from 6:00 to 7:00, to sign his new book, Bizarro Heroes. Bizarro Heroes is a collection of his superhero themed spoofs from the last 25 years of Bizarro. 6-7 pm Big Planet Comics of U Street 1520 U St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-342-1961 greg@bigplanetcomics.com NEW! May 5 - Jorge Aguirre Signing Jorge Aguirre, writer of the new all-ages comic Giants Beware! from First Second Books, will be appearing at both our Vienna and College Park stores for a signing on Saturday, May 5, in conjunction with Free Comic Book Day. Claudette wants to slay a giant, but in her quiet town there's little chance of that. If she can convince her best friend Marie (who just wants to grow up to be a princess) and her little brother Gaston (who just wants to be a pastry chef) to help, maybe they can kill a giant before her parents find out! Here's a link to a preview of 4 pages from Giants Beware! – http://chroniclesofclaudette.com/pages-35-39-2/ 11am-1pm Big Planet Comics of Vienna 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com 3pm-5pm Big Planet Comics of College Park 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Adventure Time #1 by Ryan North, Shelli Paroline, Braden Lamb, and Aaron Renier The Cartoon Network show that seems like an alternative comic is now an alternative comic! A great new continuing Finn and Jake adventure kicks off in this issue, while Aaron Renier does a hilarious backup short story about some of the supporting characters, and the mysterious cider that comes form the sky! Hilarious, and great art. (all ages) One Fangbone! Third-Grade Barbarian 1 SC by Michael Rex A young barbarian is sent from his world to Earth to hide a disgusting cursed object. But soon Fangbone is joining elementary school with his new best friend, and having to learn about bullies and how to read! A great and funny adventure, mixing school troubles and fantasy monster battles! Great for kids and adults! (all ages) Pandemonium 1 SC by Chris Wooding and Cassandra Diaz An athlete from a backwater part of a fantasy world is convinced to imitate a missing prince. But can he convince the prince's sisters, keep the kingdom from going to war, spend time with a cute noble girl, learn to be a real prince, and not get eaten by the prince's giant pet cat all at once? Intrigue, adventure, danger, romance, politics and hilarious moments all blended together perfectly! (all ages) Conan The Barbarian #1 by Brian Wood and Becky Cloonan Yup, you read those creators' names right! Brian Wood brings his historical violent sensibilities of Northlanders to Conan, as Conan meets Belit, the pirate queen, for the first time. And Becky Cloonan brings a feral, but charming, look to Conan that may be his best representation yet! This will fill in the missing years from Robert E. Howard's short story. Fantastic Four: Season One HC by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and David Marquez The appearance of the Fantastic Four is retold with modern sensibilities, and amazing art, as Reed Richards assembles his team to be the first independent space launch, leading to them gaining amazing powers. Plus the Mole Man, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and a hint of… doom. Funny dialogue, great character moments and action! Thief of Thieves #1 by Robert Kirkman, Nick Spencer, and Shawn Martinbrough An idea by Kirkman and a script by Spencer give us a master thief who has spent the last three years planning the greatest heist the world has ever seen. Interspersed with flashbacks to his training of his young protege, as the crew assembles for the heist, a sudden twist will shift this in a new direction! Great new crime series. Big Planet Comics Podcast #32 In this week's podcast Kevin, Nick and Jared discuss Dragonball, tons of Big Planet events, and review all the new stuff. Download this week's now or subscribe on iTunes! Send us questions to podcast@bigplanetcomics.com   2/18 - Warhammer 40K Apocalypse Battle Noon 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 2/24 - Nate Powell Signing The Silence of Our Friends 6-730pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 3/3 - Magic Bullet Release Party & BBQ Noon-3pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com 3/11 - Dan Piraro Signing Bizarro 6-7pm 1520 U St NW Washington, DC 20009 202-342-1961 greg@bigplanetcomics.com   4/14 - Justin Jordan & Tradd Moore Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com Signing The Strange Talent of Luther Strode 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com   5/5 - Free Comic Book Day All stores! freecomicbookday.com   5/5 - Jeremy Whitley Signing Princeless 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Princeless 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 5/5 - Jorge Aguirre Signing Giants Beware! 11am-1pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Signing Giants Beware! 3pm-5pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com 7/4 - 20% off Sale All stores! 7/28 - Matt Dembicki Signing Xoc 11am-1pm 7315 Baltimore Ave. College Park, MD 20740 301-699-0498 bigplanetcollegepark@yahoo.com Signing Xoc 3pm-5pm 426 Maple Ave. East Vienna, VA 22180 703-242-9412 vienna@bigplanetcomics.com   Dotter of Her Father's Eyes HC by Mary M. Talbot and Bryan Talbot Mary Talbot contrasts her upbringing with the life of Lucia Joyce, James Joyce's troubled daughter. Fangbone! Third-Grade Barbarian 2: The Egg Of Misery SC by Michael Rex The second Fangbone adventure! Fangbone tries to hatch a mysterious giant egg. (all ages) GTO: 14 Days In Shonan 1 SC by Toru Fujisawa Onizuka heads home for vacation and volunteers to help troubled teens in his own crazy way. Jinchalo SC by Matthew Forsythe Another gorgeous wordless and surreal adventure. Kevin Keller #1 by Dan Parent Kevin's first issue has all his friends giving him advice for his first date! (all ages) The Life and Death of Fritz the Cat HC by Robert Crumb The underground classic, back in a new hardcover. The Ninjettes #1 by Al Ewing and Eman Casallos A spin-off of Jennifer Blood, as a girl tries to become an assassin. Secret Avengers #22 by Rick Remender and Gabriel Hardman A new creative team for Secret Avengers, with great art! Young Romance: The Best of Simon & Kirby's Romance Comics HC by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby That's right, Kirby invented the modern romance comic too! Here are some of his best.

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  -  202.342.1

Local author's new book about Superman and the Klan

Interview: Superman's Real KKK-Fighting Past Revealed
By Lauren Barack
newsletter Extra Helping February 9, 2012
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/newsletters/newsletterbucketextrahelping2/893628-477/interview.html.csp

Superman fought a very real enemy in radio shows of the 1940s: racial prejudice and the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). But Civil War historian and author Rick Bowers felt the official story behind the Man of Steel's exploits left something uncovered...

Urgent final reminder -- Swann Fellowship applications due next Weds.

A chance to study at the Library of Congress -

Applications for the Swann Fellowship in caricature and cartoon are due next Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012. For eligibility, criteria, requirements, etc. please see Library of Congress web pages: http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html

 

Truitt on Buffy

Buffy the Vampire Slayer faces her biggest challenge
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 8 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-08/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-comic-book-series/53002192/1

Mara “Meg” Maguire, webcomics artist interview

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Mara "Meg" Maguire

by Mike Rhode on Feb. 8, 2012

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2012/02/08/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-mara-meg-maguire/

I'm afraid this one's been sitting around since Intervention, as have a handful of others. Sorry!

Mar 26: Art Spiegelman at DCJCC

TICKETS FOR ART SPIEGELMAN ON MARCH 26 ON SALE NOW!  _________________________________________ Authors Out Loud presents Art Spiegelman MetaMaus: A Look Inside a Modern Classic, Maus Monday, March 26 7:30 pm $20; Member/Student with ID/Senior $15 $50 VIP Premium Ticket  Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman reenters Maus, the unforgettable biography of his father's life during and after the Holocaust. Spiegelman delves into the book that consumed him for 13 years to discuss his survivor parents, the oxymoron of picturing life in a death camp, racist imagery and his beloved medium of comics. MetaMaus brilliantly deconstructs one of the most important works of art and literature of the 20th century, while providing insight into Spiegelman's creative process. More Information  Purchase Tickets _________________________________________ Authors Out Loud is funded in part by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.  For more information contact Elie Lichtschein at eliel@washingtondcjcc.org or (202) 777-3250.

Truitt on Saucer Country

Politicians vs. aliens: A first look at 'Saucer Country'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 8 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-08/Saucer-Country-comic-book-series/53010016/1

Comic Riffs talks to Stan Lee, because they can

STAN LEE LAUNCHES NEW SITE: Marvel mastermind answers our questions (*And yours at 7ET)
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 8 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/stan-lee-launches-new-site-marvel-mastermind-answers-our-questions-and-yours-at-7et/2012/02/08/gIQAUhNYzQ_blog.html#pagebreak

Curls comic strip in Cartoonist Studio contest

From: Carolyn Belefski

I just entered my comic strip "Curls" in The Cartoonist Studio competition. There are 10 rounds  (1 strip per week).

Please consider casting your votes for Curls. You'll need to create an account and keep voting every 6 hours for maximum support. Even if you can't vote that often, every vote counts.

Search for "Curls" and you will find me.

The winner gets their comics published on gocomics.com and an electronic book publishing contract.

http://www.thecartooniststudio.com/Vote

http://www.curls-studio.blogspot.com/2012/02/vote-curls-in-cartoonist-studio-contest.html

Thanks in advance for your support,
Carolyn
The Cartoonist Studio
www.thecartooniststudio.com

Comic Riffs on NY Times editorial cartoon solicitation

Political cartoonists say they're indignant over Times' solicitation

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog February 7 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/political-cartoonists-say-theyre-indignant-over-times-solicitation/2012/02/07/gIQAo91vxQ_blog.html

Truitt on Fantastic Four

'Fantastic Four: Season One' a worthy new origin story
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY February 6 2012
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2012-02-06/Fantastic-Four-Season-One-graphic-novel/52986318/1

Post on Simpson's contest

'Simpsons' fans to attempt watching a ridiculous amount of TV for record, money
By Sarah Anne Hughes
Washington Post Celebritology blog February 7 2012
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/simpsons-fans-to-attempt-watching-a-ridiculous-amount-of-tv-for-record-money/2012/02/06/gIQAPDwgwQ_blog.html?wprss=rss_entertainment

PR: "Herblock Looks at 1962" Exhibition Opens March 20

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington DC   20540

February 7, 2012

 "Herblock Looks at 1962" Exhibition Opens March 20

John F. Kennedy in 1962, the second year of his U.S. presidency, attempted to implement new policies that met with partisan opposition: assisting the unemployed, passing a jobs bill and creating Medicare.  Abroad, he increased military presence in Vietnam and faced the Soviet Union in a nuclear showdown known as the "Cuban Missile Crisis."

These issues provided rich material for Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert L. Block—better known as "Herblock."  By 1962, Herblock, who could artfully and effectively wield his pen, had won two Pulitzer Prizes.

His drawings will be on view in the exhibition "Herblock Looks at 1962: Fifty Years Ago Today in Editorial Cartoons," opening March 20, 2012, at the Library of Congress in the Graphic Arts Galleries on the ground floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The exhibition, which runs through Sept. 5, 2012, is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday.  It will be held in the Herblock Gallery, part of the Graphic Arts Galleries, which celebrates the work of Herblock with an ongoing display of 10 original drawings.  The display changes every six months.

In 1945, Herblock developed his character "Mr. Atom" to personify the threat of nuclear annihilation that was ever-present during the Cold War (1945-1990).  In 1962, Herblock used Mr. Atom repeatedly, when Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev challenged Kennedy.  The confrontation played out over the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba and Turkey.  At the same time, disarmament talks in Geneva, Switzerland, did not go well and the "Doomsday Clock" ticked closer to midnight, signaling the increased likelihood of nuclear war.

Ten cartoons will be on view, including "Tick—Tock—Tick," "Once More unto the Brink, Once More," "I May Still Have to Rely on Reckless Inaction" and "Hello—ORwell 1984?"

Herblock was a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize.  He spent more than 55 years at the Washington Post, taking on political corruption wherever he saw it and championing the rights of "the little guy." 

The Herb Block Foundation donated a collection of more than 14,000 original cartoon drawings and 50,000 rough sketches, as well as manuscripts, to the Library of Congress in 2002, and has generously continued to provide funds to support ongoing programming.

The Library has been collecting original cartoon art for more than 140 years.  It is a major center for cartoon research with holdings of more than 100,000 original cartoon drawings and prints. These works, housed in the Prints and Photographs Division, span five centuries and range from 17th-century Dutch political prints to 21st-century contemporary comic strips.

The Prints and Photographs Division holds the largest-known collection of American political prints, the finest assemblage of British satirical prints outside Great Britain and holdings of original drawings by generations of America's best cartoonists and illustrators that are unequaled in breadth and depth.  Extensive runs of rare satirical and comic journals from Europe and the United States represent another distinguishing facet. The Library acquired these materials through a variety of sources including artists' gifts, donations by private collectors, selective purchases and copyright registration.

For sample images from "Herblock Looks at 1962," contact Donna Urschel at (202) 707-1639.

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PR12-33
2/7/12
ISSN:  0731-3527