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Monday, September 24, 2018
Sept 26: Tom King at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis
Comic Riffs talks to editorial cartoonists on Kavanaugh hearings
3 con and 1 pro.
'I'm very angry that is this is happening again': Cartoonists compare drawing for Kavanaugh and Thomas hearings
Sunday, September 23, 2018
That darn Candorville
The presidential mafioso
Ray J. Lum, Arlington
Washington Post September 22 2018, p. 15
New book from Terry Flippo collects his Deliver Me comic strip
Deliver Me!: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night.... Paperback – September 23, 2018
Friday, September 21, 2018
Comic Riffs notes Nancy cartoonist appearance
The private cartoonist behind 'Nancy' will make her public debut at the CXC festival
The Library of Congress' newish comic book blog
I missed this when they announced it in May:
Breaking News: Introducing Headlines and Heroes
https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2018/05/breaking-news-introducing-headlines-and-heroes/but here's what Megan Halsband has written about comics since then:
May the Fourth Be With You! [Star Wars comic books].
https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2018/05/may-the-fourth-be-with-you/Before Bang! Pow! Zap! [newspaper comic strips].
https://blogs.loc.gov/headlinesandheroes/2018/06/before-bang-pow-zap/September = Comics [SPX collection]
Sally Ingraham's SPX experience
Sally Ingraham here with my Small Press Expo 2018 memories and pictures!
by Sally Ingraham
Comics Workbook September 21 2018 : https://comicsworkbook.com/09-21-2018/
by Sally Ingraham
Comics Workbook September 21 2018 : https://comicsworkbook.com/09-21-2018/
Thursday, September 20, 2018
Cavna talks Doonesbury & Trump with Trudeau
As 'Doonesbury' characters turn 50, Garry Trudeau describes his journey from pummeling Nixon to tackling Trump [in print as Knocking Nixon, then tackling Trump: Trudeau's 'Doonesbury' comic strip has a long history with presidents].
'Big Satire is the least of Trump's problems': Garry Trudeau weighs in on how humor has taken on the president
Book Review: DC: Anatomy of a Metahuman
by Mike Rhode
DC Comics collects a lot of the comic books they've published, but they also have quite a few publications aimed at an adult audience looking for a gift or willing to spend larger amounts on material that interests them. The fact that these books even exist can be amazing especially for someone who grew up in the 1970s when there was one (or less!) collection of comics published per year (The Dark Knight Returns in 1986 started the modern trend of collecting a story arc in a book or "waiting for the trade"). Over the next week or so, I'll look at three of these I've been provided with recently.
DC Comics collects a lot of the comic books they've published, but they also have quite a few publications aimed at an adult audience looking for a gift or willing to spend larger amounts on material that interests them. The fact that these books even exist can be amazing especially for someone who grew up in the 1970s when there was one (or less!) collection of comics published per year (The Dark Knight Returns in 1986 started the modern trend of collecting a story arc in a book or "waiting for the trade"). Over the next week or so, I'll look at three of these I've been provided with recently.
Concerned about the threat that so-called "metahumans" may pose to the world, Batman has begun compiling a detailed dossier on their incredible physiology and abilities. From villains like Killer Croc, Bane, and Brainiac to Batman's own comrades, including Superman and Cyborg, the file brings together the Dark Knight's fascinating personal theories on the unique anatomical composition of these formidable individuals.
This stunning and unique book delves into the incredible abilities of DC Comics characters like never before. Using beautifully illustrated anatomical cross sections depicting twelve different DC characters, the book, told from Batman's unique perspective, will explore how these metahumans' physical makeup differs significantly from that of the average person. From detailed theories on how Superman's eyes shoot heat rays to an in-depth exploration of how Aquaman is able to breathe underwater, the book delves into the deepest secrets of these classic characters. Also featuring chapters on the anatomy and abilities of Doomsday, Aquaman, Swamp Thing, Darkseid, Martian Manhunter, and more, this one-of-a-kind book will change the way you look at metahumans forever.
The authors Perry (a sf/fantasy novelization writer) and Manning (a comic book historian) do a good job at summarizing the powers and features of the characters in the book (Superman, Cheetah, Aquaman, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, Swamp Thing, Darkseid, Bane, Doomsday, Killer Croc, Bizarro and Killer Frost), but run quickly into the major problem of the fact that these powers are impossible by our understanding of physics, chemistry and other sciences, so how can they be explained? On page 9, the second page of his dossier, Batman writes, "Much of my research has been focused on the composition of Superman's bones and muscles. What combination of organic structures could possible generate his immense strength? I have many theories but all are at odds with conventional scientific thinking." This difficulty with the human scientist Batman trying to understand impossible phenomena continues throughout the book. How can a woman become a were-cheetah?
The authors Perry (a sf/fantasy novelization writer) and Manning (a comic book historian) do a good job at summarizing the powers and features of the characters in the book (Superman, Cheetah, Aquaman, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, Swamp Thing, Darkseid, Bane, Doomsday, Killer Croc, Bizarro and Killer Frost), but run quickly into the major problem of the fact that these powers are impossible by our understanding of physics, chemistry and other sciences, so how can they be explained? On page 9, the second page of his dossier, Batman writes, "Much of my research has been focused on the composition of Superman's bones and muscles. What combination of organic structures could possible generate his immense strength? I have many theories but all are at odds with conventional scientific thinking." This difficulty with the human scientist Batman trying to understand impossible phenomena continues throughout the book. How can a woman become a were-cheetah?
Of course, the suspension of disbelief is a major requirement in enjoying superhero comic books (and television and movies, fans of which the characters of this book seem to have been selected for). Once one decides to accept the internal logic of the book, the writing is concise and seems to reflect the current DC Universe of the comics (they've had so many reboots recently that I can't tell). Ming Doyle's semi-scientific illustration is a good match and very well done. Her illustration of Superman as Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian man has an underlying layer of amusement since on the same page Batman specifically notes that Superman is not and never will be human.
Sept 22-23: SPOONS, TOONS and BOOZE at the Arlington Drafthouse
We're baaaack! One of NYC's hottest tickets is returning to the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse for another weekend of cartoon, cereal and brunch cocktail fun! Coming off a six year, sold-out run in Brooklyn, we're bringing your favorite childhood cartoons to experience on the big screen while dining on the Drafthouse's delicious food and drink menu.
Do you miss your childhood Saturday mornings of waking up early to gorge on cereal and cartoons? If so, SecretFormula has the ultimate brunch for the kid in you...Spoons, Toons & Booze! We've got all your favorite Saturday morning cartoons, delicious cocktails and a free all you can eat sugary cereal bar. Hosted by SecretFormula's Michael Austin and Nell Casey!
SPX Interviews by Derek Royal of Comics Alternative podcast
On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2018, Pt. 1
Derek Royal
Time Codes:
- 00:00:27 – Introduction
- 00:02:29 – Set up of episode
- 00:04:13 – Interview with Mike Freiheit
- 00:12:16 – Interview with Madeline McGrane
- 00:15:51 – Interview with Kelly Phillips and Claire Folkman
- 00:22:37 – Interview with Karl Christian Krumpholz
- 00:28:28 РInterview with Max de Radigu̬s
- 00:44:12 – Interview with Ryan Holmberg
- 00:59:14 – Interview with Scott Roberts
- 01:07:02 – Interview with Nathan Gelgud
- 01:16:30 – Interview with M. Dean
- 01:34:08 – Interview with Emi Gennis
- 01:41:58 – Interview with Alex Nall
- 01:49:24 – Interview with Ash Thomas and Sara Guzman
- 01:56:07 – Interview with Ellen Lindner
- 02:06:53 – Wrap up
- 02:07:43 – Contact us
Small Is Good!
This past weekend, Derek attended Small Press Expo in North Bethesda, MD. While there, he interviewed a variety of creators, some of whom he didn't even know, about their recent releases and their upcoming projects. In this, the first of two on-location shows recorded at SPX, Derek talks with 15 different creators, with each brief interview lasting anywhere from 4 to about 17 minutes. Among the writers/artists/editors Derek talks with are Mike Freiheit, Madeline McGrane, Kelly Phillips and Claire Folkman, Karl Christian Krumpholz, Max de Radiguès, Ryan Holmberg, Scott Roberts, Nathan Gelgud, M. Dean, Emi Gennis, Alex Nall, Ash Thomas and Sara Guzman, and Ellen Lindner.
On Location: Talking with Creators at SPX 2018, Pt. 2
http://comicsalternative.com/on-location-talking-with-creators-at-spx-2018-pt-2/
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Fcomicsalternative%2FComAlt_OnLocation66.mp3
https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Fcomicsalternative%2FComAlt_OnLocation66.mp3
- 00:00:27 – Introduction
- 00:02:27 – Set up of episode
- 00:03:45 – Interview with Jennifer Hayden
- 00:18:17 РInterview with Fernando De Pe̱a, Rodrigo Vargas, and Coni Yovaniniz
- 00:29:04 – Interview with Ellen Forney
- 00:52:01 – Interview with Miss Lasko-Gross
- 01:00:47 – Interview with Michael DeForge
- 01:22:26 – Interview with Evan Dahm
- 01:30:22 – Interview with Ben Costa and James Parks
- 01:38:13 – Interview with Ivy Atoms
- 01:44:33 – Interview with M.S. Harkness
- 01:52:30 – Interview with Maritsa Patrinos
- 02:02:36 – Interview with Maransa Harmon and Eric Taylor
- 02:13:21 – Wrap up
- 02:13:59 – Contact us
More Good Smallness
Last weekend Derek attended the Small Press Expo, which is held every September in North Bethesda, MD. At the event, he talked with a variety of artists who tabled there. This is the second of two on-location shows featuring these brief interviews, the first being released earlier this week. These short conversations range from around 6 minutes to 23 minutes in length, and while most were recorded on the floor of the convention, some were conducted outside on the hotel's patio. The creators Derek talked with on this episode include Jennifer Hayden; Fernando De Peña, Rodrigo Vargas, and Coni Yovaniniz; Ellen Forney; Miss Lasko-Gross; Michael DeForge; Evan Dahm; Ben Costa and James Parks; Ivy Atoms; M.S. Harkness; Maritsa Patrinos; and Maransa Harmon and Eric Taylor.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Michelle Delgado writes on Lisa Hanawalt
Lisa Hanawalt: Drawing Progressive Westerns from the Horse's Perspective
The Visual Mind Behind BoJack Horseman is Having a Busy Year
Michelle Delgado is a journalist in Washington, DC. Her culture reporting has been featured in The Atlantic, CityLab, VICE, and others.
Comic Riffs talks to Rebecca Sugar
'Steven Universe' creator illuminates the power of personal work — including LGBTQ representation
Sept 29: ΘeoCon: Where Theology Meets Pop Culture
http://www.theocon.live
Description
Date and Time
Location
Virginia Theological Seminary
Addison Hall
3737 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
Book Review: Out Of The Woods: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety
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| Williams' experiments with alternative medicine |
reviewed by Mike Rhode
I recently got an email from a publicist noting that they had sent me a book eleven months ago and I hadn't reviewed it yet. Whoops! When you buy as many books as I do, this happens all too frequently, but in this case it was also a big mistake. Out Of The Woods: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety by Brent Williams and illustrator Korkut Oztekin (Educational Resources, 2017; ISBN 978-0473-39006-8; $28) is an excellent book and a worthy addition to the burgeoning field of graphic medicine.
I recently got an email from a publicist noting that they had sent me a book eleven months ago and I hadn't reviewed it yet. Whoops! When you buy as many books as I do, this happens all too frequently, but in this case it was also a big mistake. Out Of The Woods: A Journey Through Depression and Anxiety by Brent Williams and illustrator Korkut Oztekin (Educational Resources, 2017; ISBN 978-0473-39006-8; $28) is an excellent book and a worthy addition to the burgeoning field of graphic medicine.
'Graphic Medicine' refers to comics about illness or medicine, and are more and more often being done by cartoonists who suffer from the illness. The three main strands of the works are cancer, mental illness, or traditional educationally works (that aren't usually done by patients). This past weekend's Small Press Expo (SPX) had a panel devoted to the topic of bipolar disorder (details below)* which also highlights another aspect of the field - the comics are usually done by a single cartoonist with some experience of the disease.
Out Of The Woods is not. New Zealand's Brent Williams is a human-rights lawyer and filmmaker, who "in his late forties he found he could no longer do this work. It was like he had hit an insurmountable wall. That wall was depression and anxiety. Denial, shame, and a misguided belief he had to fight these illnesses on his own made Brent's situation worse." His co-author, Turkey's Korkut Öztekin "has worked as editor and chief writer for The Turkish Graphic Design Magazine and freelanced as a comic book artist, cover artist and illustrator for several literary works.Korkut is known for his work on Deli Gücük, a Turkish comic series of ghost stories from rural Ottoman Anatolia. He worked on Clive Barker's Hellraiser: The Dark Watch series as support artist to Tom Garcia, and recently was the lead artist in Frank Miller's RoboCop: Last Stand series." The two men with very different backgrounds, experiences and lives build a surprisingly strong work.
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| Williams is diagnoses by a family practitioner. |
Collaborative works of autobiographical graphic medicine are very rare. Our Cancer Year by Brabner, Pekar and Stack is one of the few that comes to mind, perhaps because it is also successful. Öztekin and Williams work well together and Out of the Woods is a generally seamless telling of Williams leaving his family, quitting his work, and hitting bottom, suffering anxiety attacks and being unable to get out of bed, while half-heartedly trying a variety of self-help meditation and alternative medicine cures, while generally refusing antidepressants and therapy. A major part of this must be due to Öztekin's art, which is clear, understated, but also poetic at times.
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| Williams' 'spirit guide' explains depressions effect on brain cells. |
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| Physical activity is always recommended to help with depression. |
*Writing About Bipolar
As mental health is becoming a subject that's more openly discussed than ever, comics narratives are emerging about personal experiences with mental illness. Moderator Rob Clough will discuss with Lawrence Lindell (Couldn't Afford Therapy, So I Made This), Ellen Forney (Rock Steady), and Keiler Roberts (Chlorine Gardens) their struggles with Bipolar Disorder, the choices they make they make in writing about it, and how this process affects how they think about it.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
New Book Features 24 Cartoonists That Lampoon Trump Administration
'Who's That Man with Mr. Lincoln, Mommy?'
by John Darrin
First there was ‘Fire and Fury.’ Then ‘Fear.’ And now, FUN! ‘Who’s That Man with Mr. Lincoln, Mommy?’ is a humorous and biting catalog of the Trump administration wrapped in a children’s book parody and illustrated by satirical cartoons from twenty-four American premier editorial cartoonists. These never-seen-before illustrations were created exclusively for this book. To get your copy(ies): http://bit.ly/whosthatmanbook
(click on images for larger view)
NoVA's Ron Evry reviewed Jason Lutes' Berlin in 2002 for the Comics Journal
Berlin: City of Stones
This review by Ron Evry was originally published in The Comics Journal #242 (April 2002).
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