Monday, September 18, 2017

Sept 21: "Rendez-Vous avec Pénélope Bagieu" - Renowned French graphic novelist in DC

I'm going, courtesy of the Alliance.

"Rendez-Vous avec Pénélope Bagieu" - Renowned French graphic novelist

by Alliance Francaise de Washington, DC

Date and Time

Thu, September 21, 2017

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EDT

Location

Alliance Française de Washington DC

2142 Wyoming Avenue Northwest

Washington, DC 20008

Description

French author Pénélope Bagieu will discusses her work at the Alliance Française de Washington!

About the author:

Pénélope Bagieu was born in Paris in 1982, to Corsican and Basque parents. She is a bestselling graphic novel author and her editorial illustrations have appeared all over the French media. She blogs, drums in a rock band, and watches lots of nature shows. Her books with First Second include Exquisite Corpse and California Dreamin'.

About the moderator:

Michael Cavna is an American columnist and cartoonist for The Washington Post. His favorite interviews have included Neil Gaiman, Art Spiegelman, Marjane Satrapi, Sylvain Chomet, Tim Burton, Bill Watterson and Garry Trudeau.

This event will be in English

The book will be available for purchase the evening of the event.

AFDC Member / Culture Pass: $10 + Processing Fees
General Admission: $15 + Processing Fees

An SPX interview with TJ Kirsch

by Mike Rhode

T.J. Kirsch was tabling at SPX for his new book, Pride Of The Decent Man, which is getting some very nice reviews. I had actually made an appointment to interview French NBM cartoonist Anais Depommier (which will appear later this week after I transcribe it), but Mr. Kirsch kindly agreed to do an interview by mail.

What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?

I'm a writer and illustrator of comics, webcomics, and graphic novels - or any combination of those three. I've illustrated comics for Oni Press, Archie, Image, NBM and others.

How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?

For all of my recent books I've drawn and colored digitally using a Wacom tablet.

When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?

I was born in 1981 in Albany, NY.

What is your training and/or education in cartooning?

I completed a year of art school at Savannah College Of Art And Design, and then finished my training at The Kubert School, graduating in 2005.

Who are your influences?

My big ones are Dan Clowes, Chester Brown, and Gilbert Hernandez.

If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?

I wish I would've had more confidence to start writing my own projects earlier. But along the way I've worked with many very talented writers and learned so much from each of them.

What work are you best-known for?

I co-created and illustrated a webcomic-turned-graphic novel called She Died In Terrebonne, written by Kevin Church. It's been highly acclaimed by critics and often cited as one of the best Noir comics ever published.

What work are you most proud of?

The comics I'm most proud of are all the minicomics that were eventually collected in Teej Comix, and the new book, Pride Of The Decent Man. I made them all in a similar process, using loose outlines and giving myself some room to change things on the page as I went along. Some things work better as comics if you stay flexible with the final product rather than sticking with a set script.

How did your new book end up with NBM?

Terry Nantier, the founder and publisher of NBM Graphic Novels, saw something he liked in my initial proposal submission, and made me an offer quite early in the process. I thought it was a good fit for their catalog, and seeing it finished and in book form, I feel that even more. There's a sensibility to all their books of trying to elevate the art form of comics, while also bringing in a general crossover audience. I like graphic novels I can hand to any random book or art lover on the street, and have them get something out of it - and maybe seek out other comics after that. I think many of the NBM graphic novels have that quality.

What would you like to do or work on in the future?

I'd like to do more original graphic novels as well as shorter comics. Right now I'm in the very early stages of a nonfiction graphic novel project.

What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?

As an artist, my recent solution to getting out of a rut is to redraw very old work of mine. It's great for self confidence, in that you see your improvement since the earlier version of the piece.

As far as writer's block - I haven't been in this situation much yet, having worked with writers more than not - but I try to take breaks and let ideas come to me when I'm relaxed and daydreaming.

What do you think will be the future of your field?

Hopefully it will be more innovative comics being made, and respect for the work by the general public, but who knows?

How was your SPX experience?

SPX was great, as always. It's a very inspiring atmosphere. I've been coming since 2008 and it's been my favorite show ever since - no contest. I've met several of my cartooning heroes, and made some great friends I see every time I come back.

When you've been at SPX previously, have you been selling self-published books?

My first time exhibiting I was with Oni Press, debuting a comic called Uncle Slam Fights Back. Most other times I shared space with Jonathan Baylis, who writes an autobiographical comic series called So Buttons. It's in the same vein as Harvey Pekar's work - only a bit more upbeat. I've been contributing art to that series since the first issue ten years ago. But yes, sometimes I'll be showcasing self published minis, or other work I'd done for Oni Press and others.

Is the experience different when at a table of a mid-level publisher?

It's always easier, and far less stressful, when you can just show up and start signing books, rather than worrying about shipping your own or coordinating everything that goes along with exhibiting.

If you've been coming since 2008, any thoughts about how it's grown and changed?

I can say it's grown every year I've gone. More lines out the door for star cartoonists, more congestion in the aisle, but also the exhibitors all make amazing work and that never changes.

What's your favorite thing about DC?

My favorite things about DC are the closeness to SPX ( of course ), the fast, efficient and clean Metro system, and the fact that I have family there.

Least favorite?

It gets wayyyyy too hot in the summer! Maybe I just need to visit closer to the colder months.

What monument or museum do you like?

I like them all, but the Lincoln Memorial is one I always need to see. The Holocaust Museum is something everyone needs to see.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

There's a small place in Bethesda called the Lilit Cafe that has the most amazing gluten free crabcakes. I didn't have enough time this year to go since I was only around for a day, but that always a necessary stop. There's also Ella's Wood-Fired Pizza across from the National Portrait Gallery that has great gluten free pizza. I've got Celiac disease so these stand out for me.

Do you have a website or blog?

You can find out more about me and my work at www.tjkirsch.com - and you'll find links to all my various social media, info about my books and more.

Memories Through Lunch and Art: Dad decorates daughter’s lunch bags

Memories Through Lunch and Art: Dad decorates daughter's lunch bags

Maureen Umeh

Fox5's Good Day DC Sep 18, 2017

http://www.fox5dc.com/good-day/281611391-video

Arlington cartoonist Mike Jenkins has made lasting memories with his daughter -- one lunch bag at a time.

SPX's Ignatz Award winners

Emil Ferris's graphic novel 'Monsters' tops diverse slate of 2017 Ignatz Award winners

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 18 2017

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/09/18/emil-ferriss-graphic-novel-monsters-tops-diverse-slate-of-2017-ignatz-award-winners/

Sept 29: Animezing!: Kimba the White Lion

Journey Through Anime: Celebrating 100 Years

2017 marks the 100-year anniversary of Japanese animation. In celebration, the JICC is presenting a retrospective of animated films!

Don't miss this rare film based on the popular series by legendary artist and "God of Comics," Osamu Tezuka!

Caesar, a white lion, is king of the jungle. His dream is to bring peace among the animals of his kingdom. Unfortunately, his reign is cut short and his consort, Snowene, is captured and sent to be sold off overseas. While on board, she gives birth to a single white cub, Kimba.

Kimba manages to escape from the ship and returns to the jungle in order to fulfill his father's dream. Although his arrival brings joy to the jungle's inhabitants, not all share Kimba's vision of a peaceful and harmonious existence. Now, young Kimba must prove himself worthy of being King of the Jungle!

Registration is required.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

In the event of a cancellation, please contact us at jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp.

Doors open 30 minutes before the program. Program begins at 6:30PM.

No admittance after 7:00PM or once seating is full.

Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee a seat.

The JICC reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by JICC without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video.

1150 18th Street NW, Suite 100 | Washington, D.C. 20036-3838
TEL: 202-238-6900 | FAX: 202-822-6524 | jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Pictures of Small Press Expo day 1

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm4ur8df

Not labeled yet.

Emil Ferris on Comic Riffs and at SP

How Emil Ferris became the breakout graphic novelist of the year

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post Comic Riffs blog September 16 2017

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2017/09/16/how-emil-ferris-became-the-breakout-graphic-novelist-of-the-year/

Friday, September 15, 2017

Lost Art Books sale at SPX and a new Richard Thompson book too

Joe Procopio, aka my new publisher, has a sale of his backstock coming up at the Small Press Expo, all of which are worth having (I do).

Here's a map of where he'll be at SPX.

Local cartoonist Gordon Harriss' new book

September 14, 2017

"Mistaken Identity" available now!

Copies of Gordon's 90 page, full-color graphic novel for kids - with 10 brand new pages of art - are available here.

Danielle Corsetto at SPX

Danielle has a Kickstarter coming for the complete Girls with Slingshots. In the meantime, "OH!! And I'll also be at SPX this weekend, geez!! Obviously these books have been overwhelming everything else in my life. Come find me at the back wall, W29, between Jess Fink and TopatoCo!"

Charles Brownstein speaking about censorship

At the Library of Congress right now.

Today: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

Sixth Annual SPX Lecture at the Library of Congress: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

For Immediate Release Contact: Warren Bernard
Email: warren@spxpo.com

Bethesda, Maryland; September 11, 2017

Media Release — This year's annual Small Press Expo Lecture is The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund: Comics & The Power of Intellectual Freedom.

Where: Library of Congress Madison Building
West Dining Room, 6th floor
Metro Stop: Capitol South
When: Friday, September 15, 2017, 12:00 noon-1:00 PM

A trend that began in the 1940s continues today—challenges to comic books! Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the non-profit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, will share the history of comic book censorship from the medium's origins to the present day.

Participants will learn about the history of comic book censorship, and how that history still informs challenges to graphic novels happening right now. Learn what CBLDF does to protect this valuable medium, discover some of the most frequently challenged comics and graphic novels, and what you can do to make a difference.

Emerge from this session with a new or renewed passion for comics, graphic novels, and manga and as a strong advocate for protecting this form of free speech!

A selection of comic books from the Serial and Government Publications Division will be on display.

This is the sixth annual SPX festival program sponsored by the Serial & Government Publications Division.

http://www.loc.gov/rr/news/calendar.html

Another Otakon voice actor interview

Otakon Interview: Lex Lang

Scoop September 15 2017

http://scoop.previewsworld.com/Home/4/1/73/1018?ArticleID=199713

Sept 30: Jamie Noguchi at Fantom Comics

Comics Workshop: Inktober Kickoff With Jamie Noguchi!

Public

· Hosted by Fantom Comics

c
Saturday, September 30 at 2 PM - 4 PM
Fantom Comics
2010 P Street NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20036

This Student Brings Lunch to School in Works of Art

Kristen Dahlgren

NBC Nightly News Sep 14 2017

https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/this-student-brings-lunch-to-school-in-works-of-art-1047000643703

Every day, Maggie Jenkins' turkey sandwiches come wrapped in a hand made, one of a kind work of art courtesy of her dad Mike, a political cartoonist turned caricature artist.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

NBM signings at SPX

Small Press Expo (SPX)/Booth G1-2
Bethesda, Maryland / September 16-17
Appearing Saturday Only:
Special Guest: Anais Depommier (Sartre)
Guests: T.J. Kirsch (Pride of The Decent Man), Kata Kane (Ana & The Cosmic Race, Papercutz)
http://www.smallpressexpo.com

Panel: Filling In The Pieces: Comics Biography
White Flint Auditorium 9/16 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
When doing a comics biography, how do cartoonists approach the material they have at hand? For Box Brown, who did a biography of Andre the Giant, he struggled to find material that might reveal the wrestler's inner life. Anais Depommier had to sift through a mountain of material for her biography of Jean-Paul Sartre, a task made all the more difficult considering how much the philosopher wrote about himself. Luke Howard had to deal with a historically and racially sensitive topic in ragtime creator Ernest Hogan. Moderator Chris Mautner will lead the discussion. Anais Depommier appears courtesy of a grant by The Cultural Services of the French Embassy.

Signing Schedule

Saturday (Booth G-1-2) 

11:30- 12:30: Anais Depommier (Saturday Only) 

1:00-2:30: T.J. Kirsch (Saturday Only) 

2:30-4: Anais Depommier (Saturday Only)

 4-5:30: T.J. Kirsch (Saturday Only) 

5:00-6:00: Kata Kane 

6:00-6:30: Anais Depommier (Saturday Only)

Sunday (Booth G-1-2) 

1-2: Kata Kane 

SPX's expanded programming schedule

Local creators are Liz Reed, Ann Telnaes and Matt Wuerker.

September 16, 2017

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm White Flint Auditorium

1001 Knights Roundtable: An Artist Discussion About Work And People Positivity

Artists from the 1001 Knights anthology join curators Annie Stoll & Kevin Jay Stanton to discuss their work and process in relation to the journey of the 1001 Knights books. This is a safe, creative, and positive space where artists Shannon Wright, Zack Clemente, Alice Meichi Li, Barbara Perez Marquez & Deandra Tan as well More Info »