Wednesday, March 01, 2017

March 9: R. Sikoryak On Tour For Terms and Conditions in Baltimore


Public
· Hosted by Drawn and Quarterly
Details
R. Sikoryak will be on tour this Winter and Spring for the launch of his brand new release: Terms and Conditions, which translates the entire itunes terms and conditions agreement into graphic novel form. Each page pays homage to a specific comic book style (Beetle Bailey, Hark! A Vagrant, Family Circus, The Simpsons, Astro Boy, Saga, and more), perfectly capturing one of the most omnipresent and overlooked texts of our time! Catch him in a city near you, with full tour details below.

Baltimore, MD
Thursday, March 9, 2017 - 7:00pm
Atomic Books
3629 Falls Rd, 21211

March 26: Evil Cyborg Sea Monsters at Arlington Drafthouse


Join us for a special comedy show as comedian/ cartoonist Mike Capozzola presents "Evil Cyborg Sea Monsters!" 

This is a multimedia comedy show about superheroes, action movies, sci-fi, monsters and secret agents.

Learn more and register!

If you're a fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, James Bond, Batman, Spiderman, Game of Thrones and time travel: DO NOT come to this show! These things are irreverently mocked and dissected by a pro. Mike's done the show at various theatres, comic book conventions, libraries and comedy festivals in the U.S. and the U.K.

Mike Capozzola is a Bay Area based Stand Up Comedian and a published cartoonist (MAD Magazine, Ted Talks, WIRED, Best of McSweeney's). He's on the Advisory Board of The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco. He produces and hosts the annual "Comics 4 Comix" comedy event there. www.Capozzola.com NOTE- this show is "PG-14" and runs about an hour. Only Ten bucks!

Also appearing, comedian Robert Mac!

"Evil Cyborg Sea Monsters" Prior Shows:
East Bay Comic Con
Berkeley Comic Festival
San Francisco Comic Con
Lafayette ComicFest 2016
York, England GeekFest 2016
The Nantucket Comedy Festival
The Cartoon Museum of London
The Sacramento Comedy Festival
The Leavitt Theatre - Ogunquit, ME

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

March 5: Indie Book Club: A Land Called Tarot Skype with Gael Bertrand


Hosted by Fantom Comics

  • Sunday at 2 PM - 4 PM

  • Fantom Comics
    2010 P Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036


    Details
    One of our favorite stories serialized in Island magazine, Gael Bertrand's silent fantasy comic A Land Called Tarot finally got a hardcover--even if you haven't been reading Island, A Land Called Tarot is a fantastic standalone story about... portals? A shape-shifting boy? Who knows. It's great tho. PLUS we'll be Skyping with creator Gael Bertrand!

    Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Put A Fork In 'Em"

    From DC's anarchist cartoonist Mike Flugennock:

    "Put A Fork In 'Em"
    http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2223

    So, despite a strong progressive groundswell for Keith Ellison, Clinton flunkie Tom Perez has been elected Chairman of the Democratic Party (as if it really matters), and he won the way Democrats always win these days -- by kissing Wall Street's ass, licking Israel's boots, and taking a big, steaming dump all over the Left.

    This was inspired by a recently-tweeted nugget of gold from Wikileaks' John Podesta email trove, a snotty little fart by Perez in reply to one of the Hillary campaign honcho's missives.

    So, how'd that "stick a fork in him" thing work out for you guys?

    New children's book from Marc Tyler Nobleman

    From his newsletter -

    If you have been meaning to invest in a picture book comedy starring the most infamous Latino myth of modern times, please consider The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra.

    It's my latest, it's lusciously illustrated by Mexican-born artist Ana Aranda, and it's out 3/7/17—but the biggest way one can support an upcoming book is by pre-ordering it. Why? See the P.S.

    Also, ordering now means you'll have one less thing to do during the frantic buildup to St. Patrick's Day.

    Options:

    Reactions:
    • Junior Library Guild selection
    • School Library Journal Popular Pick
    • Kids' Indie Next List
    • "Readers will be sorry when this one is over" —Publishers Weekly
    • "Not since Skippyjon Jones have I been so entertained by a silly Spanglish picture book. I laughed out loud." —Angela, Good Reads
    • "That's hilarious! What does it mean?" —1st grader on book title


    Press Release: Artomatic 2017 Registration Opens



    You don't want to miss this.
    For Immediate Release: February 28, 2017

    Contact:
    Artomatic: Veronica Szalus, veronica.szalus@artomatic.org, 703-371-8475
    Crystal City BID:  Angela Fox, afox@crystalcity.org, 703-412- 9430
    Artomatic Artist Registration Now Open
    CRYSTAL CITY, VA — Registration is now open for artists and performers to display work at Artomatic 2017, the DC area's biggest free arts event, being held from March 24th through May 6th in Crystal City at Vornado/Charles E. Smith's 1800 South Bell Street building, Arlington, VA. Artists, performers, filmmakers, and creatives of all types may now register to participate in Artomatic at www.artomatic.org

    Anyone can participate in Artomatic - Artomatic events are unjuried and inclusive, allowing exhibition, presentation and publication opportunities for local artists, poets, writers and performers to display and perform their work.

    There are no criteria to register, and space is allocated on a first-come, first serve basis. On the heels of the successful Artomatic Park Potomac 2016 in Potomac, MD last Fall, Artomatic Crystal City expects to attract thousands of visitors to see work by hundreds of artists and performers. 

    Artomatic is well known for hosting signature events in temporary spaces that enable the arts community, its supporters and community stakeholders to connect – all free to visit.

    Every night of the event, thousands of people visit Artomatic to discover new art, listen to music, go on dates, grab a drink, and mingle with the creative community. Artomatic features dozens of daytime art workshops for kids and adults. No matter what kind of creative events you enjoy, you'll find something to like at Artomatic. 

    "Were very excited about this years show but more excited for the artists and performers who will have the opportunity to display their art," says Jennifer Williamson, Artomatic's President. "The Crystal City Business Improvement District (BID) once again will provide a setting to up-and-coming and veteran artists to present their artistic vision to the community. We are eager to welcome visitors through the doors on March 24." 

    Visitors will enjoy easy access to Artomatic, just one block from the Crystal City METRO Station on Yellow and Blue lines, with plenty of parking and bus lines nearby, great food and drinks at the event, and many wonderful restaurants throughout the neighborhood.

    Artomatic 2017 is also connected, via the interior concourse of Crystal City, to Art Underground, a vibrant arts and cultural destination. 

    For the latest information about the event, how to participate, and when to visit, subscribe to Artomatic by signing up for our mailing list, Facebook, or Twitter, and check the Artomatic website for updates.

    What: Artomatic 2017, an arts spectacular in the heart of Crystal City

    When: Register NOW for the event Friday, March 24 – Saturday, May 6, 2017

    Where: 1800 S. Bell Street 
    Arlington, VA 22202
    METRO: Blue and Yellow lines to Crystal City 
    Crystal Drive between 18th and 20th Streets.

    Who: Artists and everyone. This event is free to visit.

    Website: Artomatic.org

    Social Media: Facebook: Facebook.com/Artomatic
    Twitter: @ARTOMATIC

    Artist Questions: For information about exhibiting art at Artomatic, visit: 
    Media Questions: Members of the media who have questions should contact Veronica Szalus of Artomatic at veronica.szalus@artomatic.org; 703.371.8475




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    Auction of first part of John Fantucchio's collection closes tonight

    John is survived by his wife Mary, of Arlington who is consigning these.

    Closing Today: A Truly Amazing Spider-Man Run!

    Among the Featured Auction lots that start closing this evening at 8pm Eastern/5pm Pacific is one of the best groupings of Spider-Man comic books to ever surface within in a single auction. The selection is led by an rare Near Mint range example of Amazing Fantasy #15 (1st Spider-Man) CBCS 9.0, a strong CGC 7.5 of the same important issue, and examples from a recently coined Silver Age pedigree collection featuring Amazing Spider-Man #1 (CGC 9.0) to #52 as well as Annual #1 (and don't forget the rare Strange Tales Annual #2 in CGC 9.4 closing on a subsequent evening).

     

    The headliner is the exceptional Amazing Fantasy #15 example you see to your left. Certified by CBCS at the VFNM 9.0 tier – it's got an unusually fresh look from front to back, even for a 9.0!

     

    This auction offers our bidders first shot at Amazing Spider-Man #1-#52 (plus ASM Annual #1 and Strange Tales Annual #2) from the newly coined John G. Fantucchio Collection--a CGC recognized "pedigree" collection stretching back to the early Silver Age. When these were removed from the estate late last year, it was the first time, figuratively speaking, that they had seen the light of day since they were acquired off of the newsstand 50+ years ago! These high-grade books have striking visual appeal, newsstand-fresh colors and nearly all of them still have white interior page preservation. View Collection Lots

     



    Dana Maier on a year of drawing for Go Comics

    Jonathan Luna has a new series coming out

    Jonathan Luna has a new series coming out, again with artist Sarah Vaughn. Details on Eternal Empire are here - http://smashpages.net/2017/02/16/luna-vaughn-build-an-eternal-empire-at-image/

    April 1-2: Shrek on Ice show in Laurel, MD

  • Apr 1 at 12 PM to Apr 2 at 3 PM

  • The Gardens Ice House
    13800 Old Gunpowder Rd, West Laurel, Maryland 20707


  • Details
    Shrek On Ice! Presented by the Gardens Figure Skating Club of Laurel, MD on April 1 and 2, show times at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. both days. Please see flyer in the commnets for ticket information.

    Monday, February 27, 2017

    Nice John Fantucchio piece

    Thomas Nast cartooned on Georgetown's elections

    Michigan State University Libraries Remote Storage Facility

    [There's a "Mike Rhode" collection of comics material in there somewhere...]

    Michigan State University Libraries Remote Storage Facility.

    Ryan Claytor

     Feb 16, 2017
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjkLI-5n1MI

    A tour of the Michigan State University Libraries Remote Storage Facility Special Collections comics shelves. MSU Special Collections Comics Bibliographer guides the tour and Ryan Claytor films and narrates. Video taken on Feb 16th, 2017

    Ruben Bolling's blogs on winning the Herblock Award

    HERBLOCK PRIZE

    by Ruben Bolling

    Tom the Dancing Bug blog February 26, 2017

    http://gocomics.typepad.com/tomthedancingbugblog/2017/02/herblock-prize.html

    Friday, February 24, 2017

    Darrin Bell returns to DC

    Darrin Bell accepts the Berryman Award for Editorial Cartoons

    His reflections on visiting DC - http://darrinbell.com/2017/02/23/darrin-bell-accepts-berryman-award-editorial-cartoons/
     

    A video of his remarks -

    Ann Telnaes also cartoons for The Nib

    The Post reviews Rock Dog

    Animated 'Rock Dog' obeys every last command of a movie-by-committee [in print as Obeys every command of a formulaic kids' tale]


    Washington Post February 24 2017, p. Weekend 30.


    Pet sounds: Bodi, left, wants to ditch the family business to be a rock legend like Angus Scattergood. (Lionsgate Premiere)

    Katsucon in Photos

    Katsucon in Photos
    by Gemstone's Assistant Editor Carrie Wood.

    Katsucon returned once again to the picturesque Gaylord National Harbor Resort in Oxon Hill, Maryland, for another weekend of anime, manga, video games, and of course cosplay. Anime fans from around the country packed the resort hotel and convention center from February 17-19, 2017, with many cosplayers bringing out their best work for the event.

    .

    Thursday, February 23, 2017

    How one school created its annual Graphic Novelists Workshop

     by Matt Dembicki

    Powhatan School in Boyce, Va., will host its 4th Graphic Novelists Workshop on Friday, March 3, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. The workshop costs $25 per participant and is open to all students in grades 3rd through high school are invited to attend. Participating students will attend sessions with each of the presenting graphic novelists and have the opportunity to use what they have learned to create their own graphic novelette. Registration for the workshop is online at www.PowhatanLibraryOnline.com 

    Presenting graphic novelists include Hobbes Holluck, Carolyn Belefski and Art Hondros.


    Below, we chatted with Tracie Chloel Lane, library media specialist at Powhatan, who has spearheaded the annual workshop.

    How did the idea for these comics workshops originate?

    Several years ago, one of my students came across Trickster, and bought a copy for our library. The donation was quickly followed with a “Ms. Lane, you should get this guy to come visit our school.” Engaging my investigative skills, I logged into Facebook, and typed Matt Dembicki into the search feature, thus beginning my side job stalking graphic novelists and authors so I could lure them to our school. The resulting author visit ignited our students. Our graphic novel collection was born. And an idea formed. The following year, we invited Matt back and asked him to bring a couple friends. It was our first Graphic Novelist Workshop @ Powhatan School.
     Tracie Chloel Lane

    The workshop format is really great for the participants. Author visits are wonderful. They give students the opportunity to meet and learn about the authors of the books they read and love. A workshop takes that visit to a deeper level. It gives young people the opportunity to learn from people who are writing the stories that feed their brains and fires up their imaginations. The workshop gives them the opportunity to see themselves as the writer, the illustrator, the creator of books. It demystifies the experience of having a byline on the cover of a book. It gives our children and teens the opportunity to see themselves in that role.

    Our Graphic Novelist Workshops spawned our writing workshops that take place in the fall.

    What’s been the reaction among the students, teachers, parents?

    This is the fourth year we have hosted the Graphic Novelist workshop at Powhatan School. Every year, we have more students and alumni coming than the year before. Several of our students have produced their own graphic novels. One of our young novelists has gone on to sell his work and another is heading off to Virginia Commonwealth University in the fall to study Communication Arts. Our parents and teachers love anything that gets kids reading more, writing more, and enthusiastic about the process.

    You always look for ways to add a new spin to the program. Can you briefly outline what you’ve done in the past and your ideas for the upcoming program in March?

    Art by Carolyn Belefski
    Our base group of participants come every year. A new spin on the workshop is essential. Our participants want to build on the skills and knowledge they’ve gained. We host different novelists each year. The novelists are active participants in determining what skill will be shared and how it will be taught. We coordinate this through a private Facebook group that gives current and previous presenting novelists and editors the opportunity to communicate ideas and experiences with each other. That helps mix things up a bit.

    This year, I want to take it a step farther. I want to publish a collection of the works of the children and teens that participate in the workshop. To facilitate this goal, we’ve invited a former editor of the Magic Bullet to participate this year.

    If other teachers and librarians might be interested in adapted a similar program at their school or library, what advice would you give them on how to get started?

    First, they need a Matt. Matt helps me find the up-and-coming (and already there) graphic novelists and editors that I invite to our workshop each year. Visit another graphic novelist workshop. Our program is open to our students and the community at large. Visiting teachers and librarians are welcome at our Workshop (though I may put them to work).

    What has been the most challenging part of the program?

    Art by Hobbes Hillock
    Funding. For the first three years we offered the workshop free or with a small fee for expenses. This year, funding has made it necessary to charge a $25 registration fee to cover the costs.


    Dick Bruna's obituary in The Post

    Dick Bruna, illustrator who delighted young readers with Miffy the white rabbit, dies at 89 [in print as  Dick Bruna, 89; tales of  Miffy the bunny sold millions of copies].


    Washington Post February 23 2017, p. B6.
    online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/dick-bruna-illustrator-who-delighted-young-readers-with-miffy-the-white-rabbit-dies-at-89/2017/02/21/bbf35c8a-f84c-11e6-9845-576c69081518_story.html