Cartoon contest at Alliance Francaise going on now

The Alliance Française de Washington is launching its first "Bubble Factory" festival – "La Fabrique à Bulles" – dedicated to graphic arts. The festival will encourage and promote the emergence of new talents in this contest for graphic artists.

The idea of a "Factory" emphasizes the power of the mind and creativity of the young artists while "Bubbles" refers to, as in English,  "Speech Bubbles."

When? The contest will  start on Monday, February 8,  2016 and will end on Friday, April 22, 2016.

The awards ceremony will take place in Washington on May. We will announce the location soon.

What? The theme for this first year's contest is:"Résister!" "Resist!" (in English).

How? There will be two parts to the contest:
– One for teenagers: From 12 years old to 16 years old.
– One for Adults: More than 16 years old.

Contestants will be required to submit 1 "ledger size" panel (11 x 17) by April 22, 2016 (must be postmarked by 04.22.16).

Download the Contest Guidelines

April 27: Chester Brown at Politics and Prose

From his publisher...

"Chester Brown's Mary Wept Over the Feet of Jesus, a collection of biblical adaptations that continue[s] the master cartoonist's thoughts on sex work as the follow-up to his double-New York Times-reviewed memoir of being a john, Paying For It. Hitting stores in mid-April, Mary Wept is already receiving rave reviews - Guillermo del Toro recently tweeted that Mary Wept is his favorite thing Chester's ever done.

He'll be speaking at Politics & Prose on Wednesday April 27th..."

Part 2 of Joe Procopio's bio of Kremos is online

at http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.ca/2016/03/kremos-life-and-art-of-niso-ramponi_8.html

Comic Riffs on Zootopia

How record-setting 'Zootopia' is the perfect film for this politically divisive campaign season

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 8 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/03/07/how-record-setting-zootopia-is-the-perfect-film-for-this-politically-divisive-campaign-season/

Joe Procopio writes on Niso Ramponi this week

His first article is up at http://todaysinspiration.blogspot.com/2016/03/kremos-life-and-art-of-niso-ramponi.html

PSA: Batman v Superman Charity Auction for Bats

This has nothing to do with comics in the Washington area, and everything to do with keeping mosquitoes down and flowers blooming. - Mike

For Immediate Release

Danielle Todd, Director of Communications

Organization for Bat Conservation

dtodd@batconservation.org

 

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Set

To Be Auctioned for Charity

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI, March 7—The Organization for Bat Conservation announced today that it will auctioning and selling bat houses made from the set of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice beginning March 21 on eBay. The bat houses range in size and design, with 23 of the bat houses signed by either Ben Affleck, Zack Snyder or both. The eBay site is available at: http://stores.ebay.com/auctioncause/bat-house or www.batconservation.org. The auction will be open until April 4.

 

The film's cast and crew built the 110 bat houses out of the movie's set as a way to support the nonprofit and its work to save bats. While engaged in the project, cast and crew also made a short PSA documenting the project and the need to protect the animals, available here. All proceeds from the auction and sale of the bat houses will go toward the care and feeding of the 200+ animals that form the core of the organization's education efforts.

 

According to Rob Mies, Executive Director of the Organization for Bat Conservation, the generosity shown by Zack and the cast and crew was enormous. "Zack contacted us after hearing about the devastation that is happening to bat populations across North America and wanted to do something. They took time out of their busy schedules to bring real attention to an animal that is in desperate need of support. With their help, we are able to reach millions of people about the need for bat conservation."

 

Bats play a key role in maintaining the health of ecosystems around the world by consuming insects, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. In North America, most bats are insect-eaters, saving farmers billions of dollars in pesticides and backyard gardens from pests. Bats are currently under threat from a number of sources, most notably White-nose Syndrome, an invasive fungus that is rapidly spreading across North America, decimating bat populations. To date, there is no treatment for White-nose Syndrome; however, scientists are actively testing possible options.

 

Bat houses provide healthy, safe homes for bats to raise their pups. Bat houses also provide alternatives to living in human buildings. While not a direct treatment for White-nose Syndrome, bat houses are a critical element of a beneficial habitat for bats. Bat houses as part of this auction and sale can be used either as functional bat houses or as collector items.

 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION FOR BAT CONSERVATION

The Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) is an environmental education nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring people to actively save bats. Founded in 1997, OBC is committed to inspiring people to become active in the conservation movement. Each year, the organization reaches hundreds of thousands of people through its national Save the Bats campaign, traveling live animal programs, exhibits, festivals and Bat Zone tours. At its home base at the Bat Zone at Cranbrook Institute of Science in Michigan, OBC cares for more than 200 bats from around the world. To learn more, visit www.batconservation.org.

# # #

More on "March" from the Post

The story behind the art for Rep. John Lewis's latest graphic memoir

By Michael Cavna Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 7 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/03/07/the-story-behind-the-art-for-rep-john-lewiss-latest-graphic-memoir/

March 10: New Faces of French Animation in Washington, DC

SCREENING: New Faces of French Animation in Washington, DC

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 AT 7PM

at La Maison Française - Embassy of France

4101 Reservoir Road, NW - Washington, DC

FREE ADMISSION

Parking available on Reservoir Road and across the street at Georgetown University Hospital's pay lot

New security rules: A reservation on Eventbrite is mandatory, attendees must have a Government issued photo ID in order to enter the Embassy.

NO ONE WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT RESERVATION OR PROPER ID

Due to strict security measures, please arrive on time, doors will be closed at 7pm sharp

New faces of French Animation in Washington, DC

SYNOPSIS

As part of the Washington, DC Francophonie Cultural Festival that occurs from March 1st to March 22nd, the Cultural Services of the French Embassy present the screening of eight animated short films that were selected by the Annecy International Animated Film in 2015.

Reflecting the diversity and excellence of French animation, this program is offering French productions shorts that were selected by Marcel Jean, artistic director of the Annecy International Animated Film Festival.

 

ALISON by Jules Rigolle, Leïla Courtillon, Nathan Otaño, Martin Hurmane, Adrien Calle (1 min 21)

Music only

This short is one of the intros created by a Gobelins - L'École de L'Image animation student, and pays tribute to Alison de Vere, the first woman animated filmmaker in Britain. 

 

YUL AND THE SNAKE by Gabriel Harel (13 min)

In French with English subtitles

Yùl, 13, goes with his big brother Dino to make a deal with Mike, a thug escorted by his Argentine Mastiff. When things go wrong, a mysterious snake appears.

 

TIGERS TIED UP IN ONE ROPE by Benoit Chieux (8 min)

In French with English subtitles

An extremely lazy boy is scolded by his mother, who can no longer bear to watch him do nothing but eat and sleep all day long. He finally decides to get a job and reveals unanticipated amounts of imagination, creativity and perseverance.

 

SUNDAY LUNCH BY Céline Devaux (13 min47)

In French with English subtitles, with voiceover by Vincent Macaigne

While eating during a Sunday lunch, Jean observes his family members. They ask him questions but don't listen to his answers; they give him advice that they don't follow; they kindly stroke him and slap him. It's all normal – it's Sunday lunch.

 

A SLICE OF THE COUNTRY by Hanna Letaïf (7:00)

In French with English subtitles

The sun is shining in the countryside. A family of animals finds a nice spot for a picnic. Nearby, another animal is peacefully grazing. But the tranquil atmosphere of this luncheon on the grass rapidly degenerates.

 

RHIZOME by Boris Labbé (11min 55)

Music only

From the infinitely small to the infinitely big, everything in the universe is closely linked and made up of a combination of movements in perpetual metamorphosis.

 

MY HOME by Phuong Mai (11min 54)

In French with English subtitles

The day after Hugo's mother comes home, he wakes up to find black feathers scattered all over the house.

 

IN DEEP WATERS by Sarah Van Den Boom (12min 01)

In French with English subtitles

Three characters share a secret and intimate experience that makes an indelible mark on their lives.

 

 

The total time is 78 min.

 

Online reservations are mandatory to this free admission event at the Embassy of France.

 

More information about the Washington, DC Francophonie Cultural Festival : http://www.francophonie-dc.org/

When

Thursday, March 10, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EST) - Add to Calendar

Where

4101 Reservoir Rd NW - 4101 Reservoir Road Northwest, Washington, DC 20007

Awesome Steve Brodner caricture of Trump in today's Post

Click through to see it.

Psychologists and massage therapists are reporting 'Trump anxiety' among clients

By Paul Schwartzman March 7 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/how-do-we-know-america-is-anxious-about-a-president-trump-shrinks-and-massage-therapists/2016/03/03/e5b55a22-e0bb-11e5-846c-10191d1fc4ec_story.html

The Post on March vol. 3

Exclusive: Rep. John Lewis on unity, Trump and his new graphic memoir, 'March: Book Three'

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog March 7 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/03/07/exclusive-rep-john-lewis-on-trump-and-his-new-memoir-march-book-three/

"Gary Lucas' Fleischerei" pictures by Bruce Guthrie

Local photographer Bruce Guthrie caught the animation-based concert last night  in Silver Spring. His pictures can be seen at http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2016_03_05D1_Fleischerei

As regular readers may recall, we interviewed Gary Lucas a few days ago.

JK Snyder III's Fashion in Action Kickstarter

 

Local cartoonist John K. Snyder III has a Kickstarter campaign to reprint his 1980s comic book Fashion in Action. I've just backed it and encourage our readers to do so as well. John can regularly be met at Baltimore Comic-Con.

This project is a restoration and reprinting of the 1980s series FASHION IN ACTION created by John K Snyder III. This comic starred a high-priced, and stylishly dressed, all-female protection agency and was set in the far future. It was an intriguing breath of fresh air that was a prime example of the best in 1980s independent comic storytelling!

 It's the year 2086, and the 2080s haven't changed much from the 1980s - except of course for the jetpacks, Mars colonizations, and rocket-fueled cars. Frances Knight and her squad are "the world's highest priced and best dressed celebrity protection agency." They guard the world's rich and beautiful and make their base in the refurbished Statue of Liberty.

Fashion In Action square off against the diabolical team of the coldly manipulative Dr. Cruel, and his accomplices, Boss One - a henchman just happy to be involved - and the violently unpredictable Roxanne, Frances Knights' most psychotically devoted fan. Dr. Cruel plots to use the robot clone of a late night talk show host to turn the world's elite into gorillas during a snuff star's celebrity-filled wedding! Will they succeed? Will Frances defeat Roxanne? And will they look absolutely amazing doing so? Fund this project and find out!




Back in 1985, I set out to create an entertaining series that would reflect the times we were then living in by projecting it onto a futuristic society where the cult of celebrity and personality would become the status quo. It only seemed natural at the time to cast a group of strong-willed women as a symbol of reason and security in the middle of an ego-driven world full of social and political unrest. It was a creatively rewarding experience that was born out of the height of the creator-owned alternative market of the early/mid-80’s, but was a short-lived series that I have always hoped for the opportunity to re-introduce and return to and continue.

It is a pleasure to invite you to join Hope and I in bringing the Women and World of FASHION IN ACTION back to the twenty-first century, where they have always belonged.

The Post quotes Matt Groening on Conan O'Brien

The constant in late night's chaos [Simpson, Matt Groening; in print as Surprise! Conan O'Brien is doing very well].

by Emily Yahr

Washington Post (March 6 2016), p. E1, 12-13

online at http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/style/2016/03/03/conan-obrien/

That darn Blondie

Letters to the Editor

No joke for chronic fatigue sufferers [in print as Chronic fatigue syndrome is not a laughing matter].

Greg DesRoches, Columbia

Washington Post March 5 2016

online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/no-joke-for-chronic-fatigue-sufferers/2016/03/03/af1ea02a-e027-11e5-8c00-8aa03741dced_story.html

Griffiths comics workshop/exhibition in March

Local cartoonist/illustrator Adam Griffiths kicks off his exposition “Rot Hand” at Rhizome D.C. on March 12 with an opening reception from 5 to 9 p.m.  He’ll also be hosting a comics/illustration workshop March 15 at 7 :30 p.m. See the flyers below for more details.

TODAY! Live In-Store Convention Streaming at Beyond Comics

February 2016 This is a Live Streaming Event!   BEYOND COMICS Frederick Location  Featured guests: Marguerite Bennett, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Tyler Crook, Mike Deodato, Matt Fraction, Christopher Hastings, Matt Hawkins, Dan Jurgens, Ryan North, Rick Remender, Jimmy Palmiotti, Stjepan Sejic, Randy Stradley, and Skottie Young Enjoy a One-of-a-Kind Convention Experience from the comfort of Beyond Comics!   This event will be Live Streamed into the store.  Watch only the portions you want. Featuring first looks at upcoming projects from the biggest publishers in the industry, hear from your favorite creative teams about upcoming projects, without the hassle a convention brings. Ask questions to the publishers via social media! Get some great Convention-exclusive items and covers! Only at the 2016 In-Store Convention Kick-Off! Featured Exclusive Comic Variants Click Here For More Information! Beyond Comics Frederick 5632 Buckeystown Pike Frederick, MD 21704 301-668-8202 All events subject to change due to product availability, attendee levels and events beyond our control. We will do our best to update customers upon any changes.

Beyond Comics, 18749 B North Frederick Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20879

March 5: Jerry Gaylord at Third Eye Comics

 

at THIRD EYE ANNAPOLIS

Click here for event info on FACEBOOK.

Signing from 11am-1pm

It's MORPHIN' TIME! Many of us are kids of the '90s here at Third Eye, so you KNOW we've got a soft spot for all things POWER RANGERS, and when we had the opportunity to bring in the very talented artist of our THIRD EYE COMICS exclusive cover of POWER RANGERS #1, JERRY GAYLORD, well, we fired up the zords and got rolling on it!

 

Seriously though, Jerry is a fantastic artist, and has been a friend of the store for quite some time.

 

Whether it's his incredible work on last year's BOOM STUDIOS BILL AND TED'S MOST TRIUMPHANT RETURN, or the cult favorite FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES series, he's one of the most exciting artists working today, and he really did a great job of delivering a killer POWER RANGERS cover for us to help launch the brand new series!

 

So, Third Eye Faithful, come on out tomorrow, and get your copy of the MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #1 Third Eye cover signed by a super talented Maryland-based artist!

Politico's Matt Wuerker on Bernie cartoons

Cartoonists Take on Bernie Sanders

Politico's Matt Wuerker chooses his favorite cartoons singed by the Bern.

By Matt Wuerker

03/03/16

http://www.politico.com/magazine/gallery/2016/03/cartoonists-take-on-bernie-sanders-000620?slide=0

Comic Riffs talks to Pete Docter

Quote of the day: 'Inside Out's' Pete Docter, on that inspiring Oscars speech to 'make stuff'

By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 4 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/03/04/quote-of-the-day-inside-outs-pete-docter-on-that-inspiring-oscars-speech-to-make-stuff/

Cartoon journalist Josh Kramer on the new DC streetcar

Sketch Book: The Streetcar's First Day

Posted by Josh Kramer on March 4, 2016

Washington City Paper p. 9

online at http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2016/03/03/sketch-book-the-streetcars-first-day/

To celebrate the start of streetcar passenger service (finally!), Washington City Paper sent artist Josh Kramer to sketch its first day.