Rafer Roberts art coming to X-O Man-O-War

Looks like I'll have to buy an issue for the first time in 20 years...

X-O MANOWAR Gets 'Star-Studded' 25th Anniversary Issue

by Lucas Siegel, Site Editor

04 February 2014

http://www.newsarama.com/20228-x-o-manowar-gets-star-studded-25th-anniversary-issue.html

Comics writer Damian Wampler interview at City Paper

Meet a Local Comics Writer: A Chat With Damian Wampler

Posted by Mike Rhode on Feb. 4, 2014 

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2014/02/04/meet-a-local-comics-writer-a-chat-with-damian-wampler/

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces First Appearances for 2014 Guests!

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces First Appearances for 2014 Guests! Gibbons, Hembeck, Kuder, Maleev, and Totleben Come to Baltimore!    BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - February 4, 2014 - Happy 2014 from the Baltimore Comic-Con!  Our show this year will be the 15th annual Baltimore Comic-Con, our premiere 3-day show, and our biggest event ever, which will be held the weekend of September 5-7, 2014!    In December, we officially announced our expansion to 3 days as well as our huge initial set of guests, and the response was fantastic.  Not content to settle for that initial wave of excitement, we've kept busy through the 2013 holiday season and into January of 2014 expanding our guest list!   Hopping the pond from England, writer/artist/letterer Dave Gibbons brings a vast resume of truly ground-breaking work.  From his early  2000AD work to the best-selling Watchmen with writer Alan Moore to The Secret Service with writer Mark Millar and many, many other noteworthy titles, Dave has left his indelible mark on the comics industry.  He has contributed to major and minor publishers, titles, and comic universes on both sides of the Atlantic, and his lettering style in Watchmen was the basis for the "Comic Sans" font.    Fred Hembeck's unique style has graced numerous publications, but he is probably noted most for his parodies at Marvel Comics, especially in the pages of Marvel Age, Fantastic Four Roast, Fred Hembeck Destroys the Marvel Universe, and Fred Hembeck Sells the Marvel Universe.  He also maintained an unhealthy focus for years on the Marvel Universe B-lister, Brother Voodoo!  In recent years, he contributed to Mars Attacks: The Human Condition from IDW and has provided covers for Garfield from BOOM! Studios.   A relative newcomer, Aaron Kuder found opportunities in doing fill-in issues during DC Comics' The New 52 event.  A member of Ten Ton Studios, he has handled art duties on titles such as Batman, Superman, and The Avenging Spider-Man, and took over art duties in November of 2013 for Action Comics.   Originally from Bulgaria, Alex Maleev has achieved great success providing art on comics with prolific comics writer, Brian Michael Bendis.  Together, they have collaborated on noteworthy runs on titles such as Image's Sam and Twitch, and Marvel's New Avengers, Daredevil, Halo: Uprising, Moon Knight, Spider-Woman, and, through Marvel's creator-owned Icon imprint, Scarlet.   John Totleben initially established a name for himself inking and painting covers for DC Comics' Swamp Thing during its noteworthy Alan Moore/Stephen R. Bissette run of the title.  He later went on to collaborate with Moore again multiple times, pencilling and inking Eclipse Comics' Miracleman, earning the position exclusively after receiving accolades for his work on the title, and on inks for Image Comics' 1963.  He has received numerous industry nominations and awards, including a 2004 Inkpot Award.    "What an amazing group of talent to have all under one roof," commented Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con.  "We are so excited to be welcoming Dave Gibbons, Fred Hembeck, Aaron Kuder, Alex Maleev, and John Totleben to our not-so-little-anymore family!"   This year's previously confirmed guests for the show include: Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Dave Bullock (Batman Black and White); Greg Capullo (Batman); Bernard Chang (Green Lantern Corps); Sean Chen (Amazing Spider-Man); Jimmy Cheung (Infinity); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (X-Men:  Battle of the Atom); Richard Clark (House of Gold & Bones); Steve Conley (Bloop); Alan Davis (Wolverine); Tommy Lee Edwards (Suicide Risk); Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys); David Finch (Forever Evil); Bryan JL Glass (Mice Templar); Michael Golden (The Ravagers); Cully Hamner (Animal Man); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan); JG Jones (Green Lantern Corps, Batman Black and White); Justin Jordan (Luther Strode, Green Lantern: New Guardians); Barry Kitson (Empire); David Mack (Shadowman); Kevin Maguire (Guardians of the Galaxy); Ron Marz (Witchblade); Bob McLeod (X-Men: Gold); Tradd Moore (Deadpool Annual); Mark Morales (New Avengers); Dan Parent (Archie, Veronica, Kevin Keller); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Eric Powell (The Goon); Joe Prado (Justice League); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Ivan Reis (Aquaman and The Others); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Alex Saviuk (Web of Spider-Man); Andy Smith (Superman #23.1: Bizarro); John K. Snyder III (Zorro Rides Again); Allison Sohn (sketch card artist); Charles Soule (Thunderbolts); Ben Templesmith (The Memory Collectors); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Two-Face); Herb Trimpe (GI Joe: A Real American Hero); Billy Tucci (Shi); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Matt Wagner (Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil); Bill Willingham (Fables); Renee Witterstaetter (Joe Jusko: Maelstrom); and Thom Zahler (My Little Pony).       In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.      Contact Information Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con: press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries    About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 14th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com. About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 9 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Fred Hembeck!  I'm definitely going!

Chris Flick on Jason Loves Life

Jason Loves Life

---

Chris Flick – Episode 22 Posted: 03 Feb 2014 05:26 AM PST This weeks guest is Chris Flick csfgraphics.com capesnbabes.com webcomicalliance.com Chris is a Graphic Designer, Web Designer, an illustrator, and a wecbomic creator. In this episode we chat about changes in how websites are created, how Chris creates his webcomic, finding time for side projects, conventions, and more. Things mentioned in this episode: jasonlenox.com Chris’ friend and fellow illustrator. Patrick Strange’s YouTube Channel Does interviews with comic creators and puts on promotions for Comic Book Shops. Adobe Fireworks Smashing Magazine article The article Chris mentions in the show when talking about Adobe Fireworks. This posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now

Captain America movie's DC scenes

New trailer for ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’

• BY MARK BERMAN

• February 3 2014

• http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/local/wp/2014/02/03/new-trailer-for-captain-america-the-winter-soldier/
  

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A retailer’s tips on selling minicomics

Jared Smith of D.C.-area comics retailer Big Planet Comics (which co-publishes the minicomics line Retrofit Comics) offers tips on how self-publishers can get their minicomics in comics shops.

"As a store, we love selling minicomics! They are far more diverse than comics put out by big publishers and showcase an amazing array of talent. But, as a comics retailer, we’ve also noticed a lot of things that make it hard for minicomic creators to sell us comics, and for us to sell minicomics to customers. Here are some of our tips!" (Read the rest on the Big Planet Comics blog)

Photo courtesy of Big Planet Comics

'Colonial Comics' out in September

Local comics writer Jason Rodriguez is editing a new comics anthology for Fulcrum Publishing titled Colonial Comics: New England: 1620-1750, scheduled for release this coming fall. Cover art is by local artist Scott White. Here's the blurb from the press release:

"Colonial Comics is a graphic novel collection of 25 stories focusing on the period from 1620 through 1750 in New England. A collaboration of historians and graphic artists tell the stories about Puritans and free thinkers, Pequots and Jewish settlers, female business owners and dedicated school teachers, whales and livestock, slavery and frontiers, and many other aspects of colonial life. Coming September 2014!"

Greg Pak at Fantom Comics on Feb. 7

Comics writer Greg Pak (Action Comics, Batman/Superman, Eternal Warrior and Turok Dinosaur Hunt) visits Fantom Comics Friday from 6-7 p.m.

Image courtesy of Greg Pak

Nevin Martell on comics and food

Food Comics Turn 'ZAP' And 'POW' Into 'Sizzle' And 'Bubble'

by Nevin Martell

NPR's The Salt blog February 03, 2014
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/02/03/270985954/food-comics-turn-zap-and-pow-into-sizzle-and-bubble

Flying Dog doghouse

Courtesy of Chris Ingram, who notes "The art [by Ralph Steadman] is just a mishmash of the art on the beer bottles, nothing new that I could see.  Saw it yesterday at our local Giant on Columbia Pike."

Greg McElhatton stepping away from reviewing comics

Long-time reviewer Greg McElhatton is stepping away from reviewing comics, having started writing them online in 1999.

Linda Holmes on the next Superman movie's Lex Luthor

Holmes, Linda.  2014.

Yes, Jesse Eisenberg Should Absolutely Play Lex Luthor.

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (January 31): http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/01/31/269505081/yes-jesse-eisenberg-should-absolutely-play-lex-luthor

Steve Brodner's Olympic cartoon in today's Post

Ready for Sochi? A Speculative Olympic Preview

by Steve Brodner

Washington Post February 2 2014
online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ready-for-sochi/2014/01/31/cf4ab272-8ab0-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_gallery.html#photo=1

Zunar's appearance at Busboys and Poets

Malaysian cartoonist Zunar, whose books are regularly censored in his home country, appeared at Busboys and Poets in Washington, DC. With his permission, I've uploaded photographs and a recording of his talk, which was sponsored by Cartoonists Rights Network International. He speaks about his book being banned, and being arrested for sedition, as well his countersuits against the government. He's a brave man.

Local cartoonist's Sevara comic book Kickstarter

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/damianwampler/sevara-issue-0/widget/video.html

A 22 page full color comic book. A shape-shifting goddess finds that the memories of her mortal life corrupted humanity.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/damianwampler/sevara-issue-0

Feb 5: Sevara Meet'n'Greet with the Creator

You're invited to: Game On! Comics backed a local artist on kickstarter and he hit his goal! So now he is coming to our store!  Come stop by and show your support for local comic book writers! Here is a link to his kickstarter: Sevara When Wednesday February 5th, 2014 From 5pm to 6pm Where Game On! Comics 310 Dominion RD NE Vienna, Va 22180 STAY CONNECTED

Sara Duke's biographical sketches of cartoonists book available now (updated)

Biographical Sketches of Cartoonists & Illustrators in the Swann Collection of the Library of Congress

By Sara Duke

Paperback, 340 Pages 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/sara-duke/biographical-sketches-of-cartoonists-illustrators-in-the-swann-collection-of-the-library-of-congress/paperback/product-21425716.html
E-book versions are free at https://archive.org/details/DukeBioSketchesOfCartoonistsInSwannCollAtLOC

Preview

Price: $17.00

Ships in 3-5 business days

Inside this book are short biographical sketches about the many artists represented in the Library of Congress' Swann Collection compiled by Erwin Swann (1906-1973). In the early 1960s, Swann, a New York advertising executive started collecting original cartoon drawings of artistic and humorous interest. Included in the collection are political prints and drawings, satires, caricatures, cartoon strips and panels, and periodical illustrations by more than 500 artists, most of whom are American. The 2,085 items range from 1780-1977, with the bulk falling between 1890-1970. The Collection includes 1,922 drawings, 124 prints, 14 paintings, 13 animation cels, 9 collages, 1 album, 1 photographic print, and 1 scrapbook.

Express on Oscar-nominated animated shorts

‘Room on the Broom’ leads the pack of Oscar-nominated shorts at E Street Cinema [in print as Bewitching Hour].

BY KRISTEN PAGE-KIRBY

• Express January 31 2014 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/01/31/room-on-the-broom-leads-the-pack-of-oscar-nominated-shorts-at-e-street-cinema/

The Oscar-nominated “Room on the Broom” is quite a ride. (Magic Light Pictures)

Comic Riffs on Morrie Turner

RIP, MORRIE TURNER: Cartoonists say farewell to a friend, a hero, a ‘Wee Pals’ pioneer

By Michael Cavna 

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 31 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-morrie-turner-cartoonists-say-farewell-to-a-friend-a-hero-a-wee-pals-pioneer/2014/01/31/9201b0ac-8a9f-11e3-916e-e01534b1e132_blog.html

The Post on Oscar short animation

Review of Oscar-nominated short films 2014 (animated, live-action and documentary)

Zeilt Productions - The animated short film “Mr. Hublot” uses computer animation and stop-motion to tell the story of a man and his robot dog.

• 
  
  
• 
  
  

By Michael O’Sullivan, Washington Post January 31, 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/review-of-oscar-nominated-short-films-2014-animated-live-action-and-documentary/2014/01/29/d5e5602e-878f-11e3-a5bd-844629433ba3_story.html

Feb 8: Marc Tyler Nobleman on Batman and Superman creators

Marc Tyler Nobleman appears at Tifereth Israel Congregation on
Saturday, February 8, 2014 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, $15
http://www.conventionscene.com/2014/01/30/dc-secret-creators-behind-superman-batman/

Sara Duke's biographical sketches of cartoonists book available now

Years ago, Sara Duke wrote biographical notes for the artists in the Library's original cartoon collection. With her consent, I took her public domain file, edited it, and have turned it into a handy reference tool. This sells at printing cost, and neither of us makes any money on it. Libraries in particular should buy it.   - Mike Rhode

Biographical Sketches of Cartoonists & Illustrators in the Swann Collection of the Library of Congress

By Sara Duke

Paperback, 340 Pages 

http://www.lulu.com/shop/sara-duke/biographical-sketches-of-cartoonists-illustrators-in-the-swann-collection-of-the-library-of-congress/paperback/product-21425716.html

Preview

Price: $17.00

Ships in 3-5 business days

Inside this book are short biographical sketches about the many artists represented in the Library of Congress' Swann Collection compiled by Erwin Swann (1906-1973). In the early 1960s, Swann, a New York advertising executive started collecting original cartoon drawings of artistic and humorous interest. Included in the collection are political prints and drawings, satires, caricatures, cartoon strips and panels, and periodical illustrations by more than 500 artists, most of whom are American. The 2,085 items range from 1780-1977, with the bulk falling between 1890-1970. The Collection includes 1,922 drawings, 124 prints, 14 paintings, 13 animation cels, 9 collages, 1 album, 1 photographic print, and 1 scrapbook.

Magic Bullet #8 news

Magic Bullet #8 Cover and Contributor List

I am delighted to present to you Steve Loya's cover for Magic Bullet #8. Magic Bullet is Washington, D.C.’s free comics newspaper published by D.C. Conspiracy, a comics creators’ collective in the capital region. 

Thanks to El Jefe Design for the design of our masthead, which we started using in Magic Bullet #6. This issue is open-themed and has been sent to print with a run of 5,000. It will be hitting the streets in early February. Be sure to look for it around town and pick up this free publication.

Here are the contributors who made the cut for print publication in Magic Bullet #8:

Jeff McClelland
Rachel Scheer
Matt Dembicki
Sean Hill
R.M. Rhodes, Evan Keeling
Terry Flippo
Dale Rawlings
Zarmina Sulaiman, Jacob Warrenfeltz
Rafer Roberts
Troy-Jeffrey Allen, Matt Rawson
Art Hondros
Mark Lindblom
Michael Neno
Steve Loya
Kevin Panetta, Brooke A. Allen
JTW
Eric Gordon
Paul Zdepski
Bizhan Khodabandeh
Aaron DeLaRosa, Mark McMurray
T.R. Logan
Andrew Cohen
S.G. Artley
Daniel Rosa
Jason E. Axtell
Michael Cowgill
Jerry Carr
C. Michael Hall
Santiago Casares
Adam McGovern, Ellen C. Stedfeld
Joe Sutliff
Joe Carabeo, Carolyn Belefski

Thank you to all who submitted and we urge you to submit your comics to be considered in future editions.

I plan to bring several hot-off-the-press bundles to the D.C. Conspiracy Meet-Up next Sunday, February 9, 2014 at Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street, NW, Washington, DC) starting at 5:30 PM. We will also be distributing Magic Bullet to local establishments in DC, MD, and VA (places like book stores, restaurants, theaters, tattoo parlors, record shops, etc.).

We also plan to have Magic Bullet #8 at the cARToons exhibit opening reception on Thursday, February 13, 2014 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at University of the District of Columbia Campus (4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20008 in Gallery 42, Building 42, Room A-12).

Magic Bullet contributors will be distributing the newspaper for free at many of their convention appearances in 2014. 

Stay 'tooned for more information about where to find Magic Bullet #8 as well as details about advertising and comic submission for the next issue, which will be announced shortly.

Your Pal,
Carolyn Belefski

Comic Riffs on March's ALA award

JOHN LEWIS’s ‘MARCH’: Graphic novel receives Coretta Scott King Book honor; recipients ‘humbled’

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog January 28 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/john-lewiss-march-graphic-novel-receives-coretta-scott-king-book-honor-recipients-humbled/2014/01/28/404daaf8-87d5-11e3-833c-33098f9e5267_blog.html#pagebreak

Batgirl in the National Archives

Batman, ca. 1973

US National Archives Jan 28, 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LviAKGZxPs

Find out more about this film, featured in "Media Matters," the National Archives blog of the Special Media Archives Services Division: http://blogs.archives.gov/mediamatter...

Creator(s): Department of Labor. Employment Standards Administration. Wage and Hour Division. (04/28/1971 - ) (Most Recent)

Series : Moving Images Relating to Employment Standards, compiled ca. 1960 - 1992
Record Group 448: General Records of the Employment Standards Administration, 1977 - 1994

Production Date: ca. 1973

Scope & Content: This motion picture film public service announcement (PSA) informed viewers of their rights under the equal pay law.

Access Restriction(s): Unrestricted
Use Restriction(s): Restricted - Possibly
Note: Some or all of this material may be restricted by copyright or other intellectual property right restrictions.

Contact(s): National Archives at College Park - Motion Pictures (RD-DC-M), National Archives at College Park, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
Phone: 301-837-3540, Fax: 301-837-3620, Email: mopix@nara.gov

National Archives Identifier: 563630
Local Identifier: 448-121

Jonathan Luna's Alex + Ada reviewed on a podcast

Comics Alternative Podcast Episode 72: A Review of Six New Comic Book Titles

  January 29, 2014
http://comicsalternative.com/2014/01/29/episode-72/

Rob Steibel on Kirby's Captain America

“He is Awake — Must Carry Out Mission Programmed During War”

BY Robert Steibel Jan 29, 2014

http://www.tcj.com/he-is-awake-must-carry-out-mission-programmed-during-war/

Distric Comics Graphic Novel Lesson Plan

Diamond Bookshelf reviews District Comics and offers a lesson plan for teachers "Already acclaimed for his passion to bring some of the most interesting and singular historical places, people, and historical events in American history to life in comic book format, Matt Dembicki is a sincere modern day explorer, for he digs up stories from our past that cannot be found in textbooks." - Dr. Katie Monnin Read the rest of the review and take a peek at the lesson plan here. District Comics: An Unconventional History of Washington, DC features a cast of the city’s most captivating and colorful characters—from printers and police officers to pandas and punks. And, of course, a few politicians. Matt Dembicki is the founder of the D.C. Conspiracy, a comic creators’ collaborative in Washington, DC. He’s the editor of the Eisner-nominated and Aesop Prize-winning Trickster: Native American Tales. Fulcrum Publishing For further information about this title, to request a review copy, or to feature the author at an event, please contact: Melanie Roth, Marketing Manager, at melanie@fulcrumbooks.com Paperback, $24.95, 978-1-55591-751-7

Deadline Extended! Call for Submissions for 2014 RFK Book & Journalism Awards

This includes political cartoons.

The RFK Center Is Accepting Submissions for the 2014 RFK Book & Journalism Awards    DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 7, 2014   The Robert F. Kennedy Book Award The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Center) presents an award annually to a book that faithfully reflects Robert Kennedy, his concern for the poor and powerless, his struggle for even-handed justice, his conviction that a decent society must assure all young people a fair chance, and his faith that a free democracy can act to remedy disparities of power and opportunity. The award was founded in 1980 with the proceeds from Arthur Schlesinger, Jr.'s best-selling biography, Robert Kennedy and His Times, and has been recognized as one of the most prestigious honors an author can receive. Past winners include Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz, Vice President Al Gore, Congressman John Lewis, Taylor Branch, Toni Morrison, Jonathon Kozol, and Michael Lewis. Click here for rules of entry & submission details!    The Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards The RFK Journalism Awards recognize outstanding reporting on issues that reflect Robert Kennedy's dedication to human rights and social justice, and his belief in the power of individual action in the United States and across the globe. Previous winners include journalists from PBS/Frontline, CNN, NPR, CBS's 60 Minutes, ABC's 20/20, The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and The Washington Post.  The awards also encourage students on their paths toward a career in journalism, honoring outstanding reporting from high school and college students. Click here for rules of entry & submission details!      Connect with us

The Post on 'Ant Colony,' by Michael DeForge

Warped and Funny: Graphic Acts of Insecticide [‘Ant Colony,’ by Michael DeForge]

Drawn and Quarterly - “Ant Colony” by Michael DeForge.

By Michael Cavna, Washington Post January 29 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/ant-colony-by-michael-deforge/2014/01/28/dd3a168e-7eee-11e3-9556-4a4bf7bcbd84_story.html