Friday, June 21, 2013

PR: Rutu Modan and Michael Kupperman Guests for SPX 2013


 

Small Press Expo Announces Rutu Modan and Michael Kupperman as Featured Guests at SPX 2013


For Immediate Release                 Contact: Warren Bernard

                                                        E-Mail: warren@spxpo.com


Bethesda, Maryland; June 21, 2013 – Small Press Expo is pleased to announce Rutu Modan and Michael Kupperman as featured guests to SPX 2013, to be held September 14 and 15. Rutu and Michael will be in addition to previously announced guests Seth, Lisa Hanawalt, Gary Panter, Frank Santoro, Gene Yang and Congressman John Lewis.


Israeli cartoonist Rutu Modan returns to SPX for the first time since 2007 to promote her latest book and only second full length graphic novel from Drawn & Quarterly, The Property. A founding member of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, Rutu's Exit Wounds won the 2008 Eisner Award for Best New Graphic Novel. More information on The Property can be found at www.drawnandquarterly.com.


Michael Kupperman has earned 2013 Eisner Award nominations for both Best Short Story and Best Single Issue for Tales Designed to Thrizzle #8 from Fantagraphics Books. His stories have been selected for no less than four editions of the annual Best American Comics, including the 2013 edition for which Jeff Smith selected Quinception from Tales Designed to Thrizzle #7. In 2012, Time Out New York voted Michael one of the 50 funniest New Yorkers. More information on his books can be found at http://www.fantagraphics.com.


About SPX


Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that brings together more than 400 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.


The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show.


As in previous years, profits from the SPX will go to support the SPX Graphic Novel Gift Program, which funds graphic novel purchases for 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, visit their website at http://www.cbldf.org.


SPX also supports the Small Press Expo Collection at the Library of Congress, which preserves the history of both the artistic output of the creators who come to SPX, as well as the art that SPX itself generates as part of its yearly festival. It the first program of its type by a major institution in the United States to preserve the works of the indie comics community.


For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com.

Our mailing address is:
Small Press Expo
P.O. Box 447
McLean, Virginia 22101


Catching up with Brian Truitt's columns

Why Superman is the greatest American hero;
The Man of Steel, in movies and comic books, has reflected us during the past 75 years.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY  June 14, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/13/superman-75th-anniversary/2368055/

Michael Shannon shares 'Man of Steel' armor secrets;
Oscar-nominated actor can thank special-effects crew for making him look awesome as General Zod.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY  June 15, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/15/michael-shannon-man-of-steel-movie/2418153/


Superman debut comic found in wall sells for $175,000, A rare copy of
'Action Comics' No. 1 was discovered in insulation of Minnesota house.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 13, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/06/13/superman-action-comics-issue-found-in-wall/2419837/

'Man of Steel' finds success - is 'Justice League' next?
A cinematic superhero team-up a la 'The Avengers' could benefit from Superman's success.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY  June 19, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/19/justice-league-movie-possibilities/2438681/

Personal moments are key for 'Man of Steel' composer
Hans Zimmer avoided John Williams music for a year to make sure he crafted an original Superman movie score.
 Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 14, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/14/hans-zimmer-man-of-steel-score/2418159/

'Beware the Batman' animated series premieres in July;
New Cartoon Network show offers classic touches and a change in villainous scenery.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 19, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2013/06/19/beware-the-batman-animated-series/2438285/

Robert Downey Jr. inks Marvel deal for more Iron Man;
Actor signs up for "The Avengers 2," out in 2015, as well as "The Avengers 3."
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 20, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/20/robert-downey-jr-iron-man-avengers-movies/2442301/

'Man of Steel' Comic-Con set features Superman vs. Zod
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 17, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/06/17/man-of-steel-comic-con-exclusive-superman-figures/2431377/


Spider-Man gets a sister in 2014's 'Family Business';
Superhero spy story is part of a new line of Marvel Comics graphic novels.
Brian Truitt, USA TODAY June 17, 2013
http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2013/06/17/amazing-spider-man-family-business-graphic-novel/2429793/

Library of Congress' plan threatens access to its comic books

ComicsDC has learned that the Library of Congress Associate Librarian Roberta I. Shaffer has proposed closing several reading rooms, and consolidating their functions in the main Jefferson building. For some departments, this would make sense, but for the Newspapers, Government Documents & Current Periodicals (aka 'Serials') department, it would seem to cause more problems than it would solve.
 
The current pull time for a comic book is slightly over 15 minutes - this would undoubtedly go at least to an hour. That would mean a significant loss of a researcher's time, spent wasted in waiting. Also, the main reading room has no real security, or ways to oversee a user. When a damaged Action Comics #1 sells for $175,000, that's a concern.
 
The Library has come late to the world of comic book studies, and it would be a shame to see them implementing a plan like this.

The Post's Monsters University review

Scaring School's Back in Session: 'Monsters University' movie review
 
By Michael O'Sullivan,
 
Washington Post June 21 2013
 

Letter on Herblock in NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/books/review/cartoon-character.html is a letter to the New York Times Book Review in praise of Herblock.

Cartoon Character

 
Cartoon Character

To the Editor:

Deborah Solomon, reviewing Victor S. Navasky's "Art of Controversy: Political Cartoons and Their Enduring Power" (June 2), mentions Herbert Block (better known as Herblock) without emphasizing that he was considered, in his heyday, the king of newspaper cartoonists, not excluding Thomas Nast. Moreover, Block could write as well as draw. In his book of cartoons about President Nixon, he wrote: "It was not Nixon who had been assaulted by government, but the government that had been assaulted by Nixon."

GEORGE Z. BANKS
San Leandro, Calif.

Troy Allen on MAN OF STEEL and Julian Assange

From Troy-Jeffrey Allen :

Over the weekend I found myself caught off-guard by the political subtext (or just straight-up text) in MAN OF STEEL. The concerns that that film conjured up inspired me to complete what I can only describe as an op-ed piece on the movie and how that relates to our current political climate.  Please check it out at http://graphicpolicy.com/2013/06/20/julian-assange-and-man-of-steel-why-the-hero-we-need-is-more-important-than-the-hero-we-deserve/


Josh Kramer interview in City Paper

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat With Josh Kramer

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Kim Thompson obituary from the Post

Obituaries of note: Kim Thompson, Dave Jennings
Thursday, June 20, 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/obituaries-of-note-kim-thompson-dave-jennings/2013/06/20/22321026-d9c1-11e2-a016-92547bf094cc_story.html

I guess this might run on the 21st.

Marc Tyler Nobleman on putting words in Superman's creators' mouths

Danger! Dialogue Ahead
April 23, 2013 By Marc Tyler Nobleman
From the May/June 2013 issue of The Horn Book Magazine
http://www.hbook.com/2013/04/choosing-books/horn-book-magazine/danger-dialogue-ahead/

PSA: Conrad's sculpture in LA slated to be demolished

A public service announcement on behalf of Matt Wuerker -

June 22: Audrey Niffenegger at Politics and Prose

Audrey Niffenegger - Raven Girl

Jun 22 2013 3:30 pm
Jun 22 2013 4:30 pm

In her fourth illustrated book, the artist and author of the bestselling The Time-Traveler's Wife explores her signature themes of transformation and love. The fable begins when a postman falls in love with a raven. Their daughter looks like a girl but feels like a bird. Longing for wings to stretch, she finds a doctor who may be able to help her.

Street:
5015 Connecticut Ave NW
City:
Washington
,
Province:
District Of Columbia
Postal Code:
20008
Country:
United States

D.C. Conspiracy meet up June 23

The D.C. Conspiracy, a local comics creators collaborative, is rounding up the troops this Sunday, June 23, 5:30ish at Buffalo Billiards on Dupont Circle. All are welcome! 


Circa 2006, stapling Dr. Dremo #2 at Dr. Dremo's Taphouse 

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Comic Riffs on the death of Fantagraphics' Thompson

RIP, KIM THOMPSON: Out of D.C.'s comics scene, Fantagraphics co-publisher grew into widely influential figure
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog June 19 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-kim-thompson-out-of-dcs-comics-scene-fantagraphics-co-publisher-grew-into-widely-influential-figure/2013/06/19/47518cb2-d92e-11e2-9df4-895344c13c30_blog.html#pagebreak

William Stout's new book reviewed in The Post

Book review: 'Legends of the Blues,' by William Stout
 By Chris Richards,
 Washington Post June 19 2013

The Post on Futurama

Comedy Central's 'Futurama': 14 years later, one last rocket ride around Tomorrowland
By Hank Stuever,
 Washington Post June 19 2013
 
and here's the NY Times for good measure:
 

Weldon on Superman's possible next movie

Death Of A Puppy: An Exclusive Imaginary Excerpt From The 'Man Of Steel' Sequel
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog June 18, 2013

June 20: Nick Galifianakis at Newseum for AFI's Herblock documentary

CATALYST SESSIONS: The Art of Moving Reality

Where national conversations among filmmakers, thought leaders, policy-makers and engaged audiences

Thursday, June 20
Knight Conference Center, The Newseum
Admission free on a space available basis

3:15 p.m. WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF HUMOR IN POLITICS?
Celebrating AFI DOCS' featured screening of HERBLOCK - THE BLACK & THE WHITE, tracing the life and legacy of editorial cartoonist Herbert Block, a distinguished panel of artists, journalists and politicians join to discuss to discuss the role of humor in politics and how poking fun at our democracy influences the national conversation.

Featuring George Stevens, Jr. (Filmmaker/Producer HERBLOCK), Jason Grumet (President, Bipartisan Policy Center), Nick Galifianakis (Cartoonist, Writer and Columnist for The Washington Post) and Mike Farah (President of Production, Funny or Die).

June 20: Herblock documentary at AFI

Thursday, June 20, 2013 
GALA SCREENING: HERBLOCK: THE BLACK & THE WHITE DIR Michael Stevens. USA.
Filmmaker Michael Stevens paints a lively portrait of influential Washington Post editorial cartoonist Herbert Block whose distinguished 55-year career spanning 13 presidents earned him three Pulitzer Prizes and the Medal of Freedom. Covering a time when cartoons had clout, HERBLOCK celebrates the days of old school print journalism and media satire. Luminaries, including Carl Bernstein, Lewis Black, Ben Bradlee, Ted Koppel, Bob Woodward and Jon Stewart contribute their insights into Block's life, work and indelible influence. The film's producer George Stevens, Jr., Founder of the American Film Institute, will attend along with notables in the film.
 

AFI DOCS presented by Audi ANNOUNCES GALA SCREENING

 HERBLOCK: THE BLACK & THE WHITE
Directed by Michael Stevens and Produced by George Stevens, Jr.

Traces Career and Influence of Washington Post Cartoonist Herb Block

AFI DOCS presented by Audi announced today its gala presentation at the Newseum of the Washington, DC premiere of HERBLOCK: THE BLACK & THE WHITE written and directed by Michael Stevens and produced by George Stevens Jr.  The film, traces the career and influence of the most influential political cartoonist of the 20th century and the people who became his subjects during his 55 years at the Washington Post.  His work spanned thirteen presidents, contributed to the downfall of Senator Joseph McCarthy and President Richard Nixon and garnered three Pulitzer Prizes and the Medal of Freedom.

In the film, Ben Bradlee, Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein, Jules Feiffer, Ted Koppel, Eugene Robinson, Tom Friedman, David Brooks, Gwen Ifill, Rick Hertzberg, Victor Navasky and Richard Cohen give first-hand accounts of Block's life and work.  Jon Stewart and Lewis Black explore the place of political satire in American life.  The filmmakers and many subjects are expected to be in attendance at the screening.

"It is an honor to celebrate HERBLOCK in the city he called home," said AFI President and CEO Bob Gazzale. "AFI DOCS goal is to catalyze change through art, and this film is a powerful portrait of a man who symbolized this power across decades."

 

In addition to the gala screening, AFI DOCS will be hosting a Catalyst Session on the subject of Humor in Politics inspired by the film. George Stevens Jr., Co-Chair of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Founder of AFI in the White House Rose Garden in 1968, Oscar and Emmy winning filmmaker and long-time producer of the Kennedy Center Honors will be among the featured panelists.

 As previously announced, AFI DOCS presented by Audi (formerly Silverdocs) returns for its 11th edition June 19-23, 2013.  After a decade at the celebrated AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, MD, the festival will build upon the success of Silverdocs with a presentation of screenings and events at iconic venues on the National Mall and in the Penn Quarter area, as well as continue its full slate of programming at the American Film Institute's AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.

 

 Info on full programming, screening schedules, registration and passes will be released in the coming days and posted at AFI.com/AFIDOCS. 

June 20: Wertham and comics censorship at Library of Congress

"No Evil Shall Escape My Sight"
Fredric Wertham and the Anti-Comics Crusade
A Lecture by Kluge Fellow Chris Bishop
 
Thursday, June 20th, 12 p.m. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Room 113 (1st Floor)