Art of Richard Thompson ad

On bulletin board in Shirlington library.

The Art of Richard Thompson press release

Explore the creative and compelling work of beloved artist and Cul de Sac creator Richard Thompson in the collectible The Art of Richard Thompson
(Andrews McMeel Publishing, $35.00, November 25, 2014). Divided into six sections, each beginning with an introductory conversation with Thompson and
world-renowned cartoonists including Bill Watterson, Gene Weingarten, and Nick Galifianakis, the book showcases Thompson's exquisite illustrations, caricatures,
watercolor designs, and more, providing an intimate portrait of the depth of talent of this esteemed artist. The diversity of the work showcased in The Art
of Richard Thompson will delight established Cul de Sac fans and cast a wider net far beyond, with readers captivated by the sheer beauty of Thompson's work.
Renowned among cartoonists as an "artist's" cartoonist, Thompson is noted not only for his humor and intelligence, but also for his fun, imaginative artwork.
Thompson's illustrations, along with his pitch-perfect timing and gentle humor, have helped to establish many of Thompson's works as instant classics that
continue to inspire as well as entertain. Produced on fine artpaper to showcase Thompson's unique art, The Art of Richard Thompson will be a welcome addition to libraries and collections everywhere.

About Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson is the creator of Cul de Sac and winner of the 2011 Reuben Award for Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year. His illustrations have appeared
in numerous publications, including U.S. News & World Report, National Geographic, and The New Yorker. In September 2012, Cul de Sac was one of the
most popular and respected comic strips in newspapers when Thompson retired, due to his battle with Parkinson's disease. Since Thompson's announcement of his diagnosis, his friends have successfully rallied other cartoonists and illustrators to contribute to the Team Cul de Sac project to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The Art of Richard Thompson by David Apatoff, Nick Galifianakis, Mike Rhode, Chris Sparks and Bill Watterson
Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-4494-4795-3
Price: $35.00 U.S. ($40.00 Canada) • Hardcover: 9 x 11 ⅛, 224 pages

Comic Riffs talks to New Yorker's McCall about his Redskin cover

BENEATH THE COVERS: The real story behind The New Yorker's Thanksgiving/Redskins cover ['So arrogant and clueless' a mascot 'that it lends itself to some kind of exposure']

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 24 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/24/beneath-the-covers-the-real-story-behind-the-new-yorkers-thanksgivingredskins-cover-so-arrogant-and-clueless-a-mascot-that-it-lends-itself-to-some-kind-of-exposure/

Another Frozen story, this one starting at George Mason University

How Disney Turned 'Frozen' Into a Cash Cow

By BINYAMIN APPELBAUM

New York Times Magazine

A version of this article appears in print on November 23, 2014, on page MM18 of the Sunday Magazine with the headline: Cold, Hard Cash.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/magazine/how-disney-turned-frozen-into-a-cash-cow.html

Superhero Christmas ornaments in Target long before Thanksgiving

 These are in the Target at Skyline / Bailey's Crossroads, VA.

Comics Riffs on Mutts and 2014's superhero stories

MUTTS ADO ABOUT 'NOTHING': Patrick McDonnell gives the gift of warmth in wonderful 'Mutts' musical's Kennedy Center world premiere

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 22 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/22/mutts-ado-about-nothing-patrick-mcdonnell-gives-the-gift-of-warmth-in-wonderful-mutts-musicals-kennedy-center-world-premiere/

BEST OF 2014: Comic Riffs' Top 10 graphic novels and superhero comics

By Michael Cavna and David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 22 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/11/22/best-of-2014-comic-riffs-top-10-graphic-novels-and-superhero-comics/

The Post on Frozen spinoffs - 3 stories in 3 days

Disney's global success with 'Frozen' took lots of translation, investment

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/20/disneys-global-success-with-frozen-took-lots-of-translation-investment/

'Frozen' might be everything that's wrong with the U.S. economy

By Jim Tankersley Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/11/21/frozen-might-be-everything-thats-wrong-with-the-u-s-economy/

Hour of Code to feature 'Frozen' characters

By Lyndsey Layton
Washington Post November 19 (in print November 24)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/local/wp/2014/11/19/hour-of-code-to-feature-frozen-characters/

The Art of Richard Thompson table of contents

4 Introduction by Nick Galifianakis

8 Richard Thompson: A Brief Biography (With a Few Observations Mixed In) by David Apatoff
19 "Can he draw something during the operation?" by Richard Thompson
20 "Alice was looking underinflated ... " Parkinson's disease discussion with Nick Galifianakis

22 Illustration Interview by Peter de Seve
68 Bono Mitchell recalls Richard's early illustrations
74 My New Favorite Nib by Richard Thompson

82 Richard's Poor Almanac Interview by Gene Weingarten
89 Below the Beltway by Richard Thompson
99 "Slinky McBits" and one of my favorite Almanacs by Richard Thompson

134 Caricature Interview by John Kascht
153 Hopeful Monsters, or, Caricaturing Berlioz by Richard Thompson
164 Music, a dilettante's love story by Richard Thompson

182 Cul de Sac Interview by Bill Watterson
191 Historic Otterloop Artifact by Richard Thompson
193 Early Cul de Sac
197 The primeval Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson
215 A master of the art form ... by Lee Salem

222 Contributor Biographies

The Daily Cartoonist reviews The Art of Richard Thompson

My review: The Art of Richard Thompson

Posted by Alan Gardner
November 24, 2014
http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2014/11/24/my-review-the-art-of-richard-thompson

David Apatoff on the Art of Richard Thompson, day 1

Co-editor Apatoff is writing about aspects of Richard Thompson's work each day this week - here's the first: http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-book-on-art-of-richard-thompson.html

Fairfax-based podcast talks war and comics with author Cord Scott

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Though America cannot claim credit for the invention of cartoons and other storytelling graphics, there can be little question that the art form today has its home solidly within the borders and culture of the United States. The editorial cartoons of English newspapers and magazines were quickly adopted by the American colonies, and thanks to Benjamin Franklin and other publishers, took on a distinctly Continental flavor. And throughout the many wars fought during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, cartoons grew in both sophistication and quality. But it was the development of comic books in the decade before World War II, that created a new medium of illustrated storytelling which became a distinctly American art form. Superheroes like Superman and Captain Marvel came into being, and the idea of visual storytelling became a mainstay in American media for young people. And when America went to war in 1941, comic books and their characters went to war too. In fact, comic books, their characters, and subsidiary media products (movies, etc.) provided an excellent medium to reach out to the very demographic that had to be recruited to fight World War II

 To learn more about the role of comic books, cartoons, and other visual storytelling media in wartime, join military historian, author and journalist John D. Gresham (@greshamj01) for Military Monday (#MilitaryMonday on @Writestream) at 1 p.m. Eastern.'s guest this week is U.S. Naval Institute Press (@USNIBooks) the author Cord Scott,  who has written COMICS AND CONFLICT, a history of comics and their use as wartime propaganda tools. And together they will explain the role of illustrated storytelling in politics and propaganda through the ages. Prepare for a entertaining and informative hour, talking about the nature of media messaging and power of visual storytelling.

The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center (reviewed by Steve Loya)

Last Saturday, my wife and I went to see the world premier musical adaptation of Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell's The Gift of Nothing, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. Having been a long time Mutts fan and collector, it was hard to believe this was officially happening, practically in my own back yard! 

I first discovered Mutts comics not in the newspaper, but at a bookstore, when I first moved out to the DC/NOVA area about fourteen years ago. It was a crazy, stressful time for me back then, with a big move to another state, the start of a new career, and then the catastrophic 9/11 attacks on US soil only a couple of weeks later. I remember how much these books made me smile and put me at ease, and I've been following the adventures of Earl and Mooch ever since then. What I've always loved about Mutts is the subtle wisdom in both the artwork and the writing, as it is a comic strip that easily functions on both a children's as well as on an adult level. The same can be said for the stage production of The Gift of Nothing, directed by Aaron Posner. Much like the book itself, originally published in 2005, the visual presentation is sparse and minimal - simple yet beautiful. Much like the characters that populate McDonnell's books and comic strips, the cast brings this musical vividly to life. I've never considered myself much of a fan of musicals, but the songs (written by Andy Mitton), the sounds and the singing and acting were all paramount to the success of this production, along with some wonderfully choreographed lighting.  Consider me a convert. Here's a little more insight into the book and stage production: 

The book itself has been described as having a "zen-like" quality, and it's amazing to witness how incredibly well the stage version was able to flesh out the story, adding a whole new dimension to a  brief but brilliant little commentary about not losing sight of the simple and the good things we already have, but are so often distracted from during the madness of the holiday season. I have to say, my wife and I arrived at The Kennedy Center a bit frazzled, after missing an exit in DC, and after being so close, only to be thrown off course a few miles, almost causing us to be late and putting us both in a less-than-pleasant mood. Shortly into the start of the musical however, we were both swept up into the catchy and clever songs, the incredible acting, and the humorous tale of a dog named Earl and a Cat named Mooch. After this hour-long production had ended, we both couldn't stop talking about The Gift of Nothing driving home. I could write a lot more about this musical, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for ya.

*the line for Patrick McDonnell's book and program signing (above), at The Kennedy center

*me getting to meet Patrick for a book signing after the show (below)

You can still catch The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center through December 28th! More information can be found HERE. Don't miss it!

Creator Signing - Nightmare the Rat - Rafer Roberts Saturday, Nov. 22nd

Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Meet Critically Acclaimed Artist/Creator  Rafer Roberts For a LAUNCH Signing of his latest collection Nightmare the Rat  Also meet collaborator extraordinaire  John Shine  Saturday, November 22nd - 12:00noon to 4:00pm    FREE AUTOGRAPHS!   Beyond Comics 18749 B North Frederick Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-216-0007 Let all your friends know!

Beyond Comics | Gaithersburg Square | 18749 B N. Frederick Rd. | Gaithersburg | MD | 20879

NY Times on National Gallery of Art's new Zap comix

Perils, Platforms and a Prize
By CAROL VOGEL
A version of this article appears in print on November 21, 2014, on page C24 of the New York edition with the headline: Perils, Platforms and a Prize
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/arts/design/perils-platforms-and-a-prize.html

The Post on DreamWorks Animation's non-sale

DreamWorks merger talks fail, raising new questions about the company's future

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/20/dreamworks-merger-talks-fail-raising-new-questions-about-the-companys-future/

The Post's Cavna's 10 ten of the year (with a month and a half left to go)

The top 10 graphic novels of 2014

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-top-10-graphic-novels-of-2014/2014/11/20/6ee20fec-3dc6-11e4-b03f-de718edeb92f_story.html

Underground comics donated to National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art acquires comics, 17th-century etchings and Diebenkorn prints

By Peggy McGlone
Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/national-gallery-of-art-acquires-comics-17th-century-etchings-and-diebenkorn-prints/2014/11/20/3b9ca4b4-6f6a-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html

Nov 23: Dean Haspiel in DC

NCTE: "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling" ~ Nov. 23, 2014

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD

Sunday, Nov 23, 2014 at 1:30PM-2:45PM, Session N

TOON panel presentation "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling"
Join a second-grade teacher, a literacy expert, an author, and a journalist to hear how comic
books are increasingly taking on deep subjects and being used to teach the Common Core
State Standards with an emphasis on both visual literacy and storytelling.

Featuring TOON author Dean Haspiel, journalist Michael Cavna, and Washington DC-area teacher Sallie Routh.

NCTE Program: http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/PD/Annual/2014/Program/Sessions-Exhibitors-Authors.pdf

Toon Books: http://www.toon-books.com/

Mike Jenkin's lunchbag art

Mike Jenkins has been drawing cartoons on his daughter's lunch bag for months now, and they're great. Sometime in the new year, ComicsDC will talk to him about this project.

See Lunch Bag Art (116 photos) on Facebook only

The Post mentions the Mutts play

Children's theater roundup: Magic, music and make-believe come to D.C. [in print as Make a theater list, kids]

By Jane Horwitz
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/theater-dance/childrens-theater-roundup-magic-music-and-make-believe-come-to-dc/2014/11/20/825e814e-6b6c-11e4-a31c-77759fc1eacc_story.html