Merry Christmas from ComicsDC and Mike Rhode

John Held Jr. from the New Yorker, December 26, 2025, courtesy of Michael Maslin's Inkspill

 

David Apatoff revisits his friend Richard Thompson's Santa comic

RICHARD THOMPSON'S SANTA

 I love Richard Thompson's modern celebrity Santa.  

 David Apatoff

Illustration Art December 23, 2025

https://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2025/12/richard-thompsons-santa.html

Monster on a Mantel by Daniel Boris

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 12/22/2025

Downing, Andy. 2025.  Columbus comics community cleans up at the Eisner Awards  Winners with local ties included Billy Ireland founder Lucy Shelton Caswell, who was inducted into the Eisner Hall of Fame, 'Bone' cartoonist Jeff Smith, and Billy Ireland curator Caitlin McGurk, among others. Matter (July 29): https://matternews.org/culture/columbus-comics-community-cleans-up-at-the-eisner-awards/

Gomez, Dessi. 2025. 'Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics' Authors Reflect on Book's Relevance in "Quieter Moment for Female Superheroes" at Comic-Con. Deadline (July 28): https://deadline.com/2025/07/super-visible-story-women-marvel-comics-authors-interview-1236472668/

Dumpleton, Elise. 2025. Q&A: Mattie Lubchansky, Creator of 'Simplicity. Nerd Daily (July 28): https://thenerddaily.com/mattie-lubchansky-simplicity-author-interview/

Oliver, Andy. 2025. the bus 3 – Paul Kirchner's Many Takes on the Daily Commute of a Bus Passenger Provide One of the Finest Testaments to the Pure Language of Comics You Will Ever Read. Broken Frontier (July 29): https://www.brokenfrontier.com/the-bus-3/

Arnold, Taylor, Lauren Tilton, and Jason Wigard. 2023. Understanding Peanuts and Schulzian Symmetry: Panel Detection, Caption Detection, and Gag Panels in 17,897 Comic Strips Through Distant Viewing. Journal of Cultural Analytics 8 (3; September): https://culturalanalytics.org/article/87560-understanding-peanuts-and-schulzian-symmetry-panel-detection-caption-detection-and-gag-panels-in-17-897-comic-strips-through-distant-viewing

Zahed, Ramin. 2025. Outstanding in their field; The making of Magic Light's The Scarecrows' Wedding [UK]. Animation Magazine (December 22): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/outstanding-in-their-field-the-making-of-magic-lights-the-scarecrows-wedding/

Animation Magazine. 2025. Innovation Emmy winner & Pixar vet releases AI animated short "The Seeker". Animation Magazine (December 22): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/innovation-emmy-winner-pixar-vet-releases-ai-animated-short-the-seeker/

Zahed, Ramin. 2025. Toluca Lake intersection is named Phil Roman Square in honor of animation great. Animation Magazine (December 22): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/toluka-lake-intersection-is-named-phil-roman-square-in-honor-of-animation-great/

Salkowitz, Rob. 2025. Top five comics industry stories of 2025. ICv2 (December 22): https://icv2.com/articles/columns/view/61273/top-five-comics-industry-stories-2025

Hooper, Ryan. 2025. Former British National Party leader Nick Griffin in court charged with stirring up racial hatred after posting cartoon on Twitter. Daily Mail (December 22): https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15405505/Former-British-National-Party-leader-Nick-Griffin-court-charged-stirring-racial-hatred-posting-cartoon-Twitter.html

Boobyer, Leigh. 2025. Ex-BNP leader Nick Griffin accused of stirring up racial hatred with cartoon. BBC Wales (December 22): https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crl97xyzyr0o

Bovard, James. 2025. The joy of Dilbert; Scott Adams brightened our lives by mocking everyday indignities. New York Post (December 22): https://nypost.com/2025/12/22/opinion/the-joy-of-dilbert-scott-adams-brightened-our-lives-by-mocking-everyday-indignities/

Vasseur, Richard. 2025. Rich interviews: Jim Zub. First Comics News (December 5): https://www.firstcomicsnews.com/rich-interviews-jim-zub/

Kelp-Stebbins, Katherine. 2025. "The pictures I'm choosing to draw in these boxes is revolution": Interview with Ben Passmore. International Journal of Comic Art blog (December 23): https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-pictures-im-choosing-to-draw-in.html

Kelp-Stebbins, Katherine. 2025. Book Review: Black Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance by Ben Passmore. International Journal of Comic Art blog (December 23): https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/12/book-review-black-arms-to-hold-you-up.html

Passmore, Ben. 2025. Black Arms to Hold You Up: A History of Black Resistance. New York: Pantheon Books

Dar, Taimur. 2025. Jed MacKay bids farewell to Earth's mightiest heroes with Avengers #36. Comics Beat (December 23): https://www.comicsbeat.com/jed-mackay-avengers-36-end-run/

Bryant, Mark. 2025. Sir Francis Carruthers Gould: The gentle knight of "Picture Politics". International Journal of Comic Art blog (December 23): https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/12/sir-francis-carruthers-gould-gentle.html

Seymour-Ure, Colin and Mark Bryant (ed.). 2026. The Picture Politics of Sir Francis Carruthers Gould: Britain's Pioneering Political Cartoonist. Manchester University Press

Scott, Cord A. 2025. Graphic novel review: Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 4. International Journal of Comic Art blog (December 23): https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/12/graphic-novel-review-godzilla-library.html

Howry, Chris (w), Matt Frank (a), and Jeff Zornow (a). 2025. Godzilla Library Collection Vol. 4. Sherman Oaks, CA: IDW Publishing

Teutsch, Matthew. 2025. Graphic novel review: Harlem by Mikaël. International Journal of Comic Art blog (December 23): https://ijoca.blogspot.com/2025/12/graphic-novel-review-harlem-by-mikael.html

Mikaël. 2024. Harlem. New York: NBM Graphic Novels

Kit, Borys. 2025. "Batman," Absolute Universe comics power DC to super year; The publisher reveals sales numbers exclusively with Hollywood Reporter, including some surprising statistics about "Batman". Hollywood Reporter (December 23): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/batman-absolute-universe-comics-dc-super-year-1236458286/

Ask magazine had some great cover artists

These turned up in my Little Free Library recently. They're going to OSU's Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum soon. 

The top 2 covers are by Barney & Clyde's David Clark

The next is by formerly local cartoonist William Brown.

And the last three are by my friend, Philadelphia illustrator Brian Biggs.

 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 12/22/2025

  *Herrinton, Jay. 2025. Homalco First Nation Graphic Novel Helps Fund 2025 Canoe Journey [Xwémalhkwu Hero Stories: A Graphic Novel] . 100.7 The Raven (July 28): https://www.theraven.fm/news1/raven-country-news/homalco-first-nation-graphic-novel-helps-fund-2025-canoe-journey/

Guckes, Andrew. 2025. Terry LaBan: Wyncote Author Tells Jewish Stories for an International Audience. Philadelphia Jewish Exponent (July 28): https://www.jewishexponent.com/terry-laban-wyncote-author-tells-jewish-stories-for-an-international-audience/
Unknown. 2025. Comic Strip Exhibition Opens at Meilun Art Museum [Changsha, China]. Hunan Dailly New Media (July 28): https://m.voc.com.cn/xhn/news/202507/30070192.html

Unknown. 1925. 12 Pages of Comics in Milwaukee [Milwaukee Journal]. Editor and Publisher 58 (20; October 10): 62. https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1925-10-10_58_20/page/62/mode/2up

Unknown. 1925. John Vinton Early. King Features Artist Dies of Heart Affection. Editor and Publisher 58 (20; October 10): 14. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1925-10-10_58_20/page/44/mode/2up

Pizzurro, Kathryn. 2025. UF workshop uses comics to build community and support transfer students. UF Liberal Arts and Sciences News (July 16); https://news.clas.ufl.edu/uf-workshop-uses-comics-to-build-community-and-support-transfer-students/

Platt, John R. 2025. A Memoir of Resistance Shows Readers the Dangers of Fossil-Fuel Pipelines — and How to Fight Them; Holler, Denali Sai Nalamalapu's new graphic novel, shares the stories of everyday people who stood up against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Revelator's The Ask (July 25): https://therevelator.org/holler-pipelines/

Zalben, Alex. 2025. John Byrne's 'X-Men Elsewhen' To Get Published By Abrams ComicArts. Comic Book Club (July 24): https://comicbookclublive.com/2025/07/24/john-byrne-x-men-elsewhen-abrams/

Elliott, Farely. 2025. One of Comic-Con's most visible features is illegal [building wrap advertising]. SFgate (July 24): https://www.sfgate.com/culture-events/article/san-diego-comic-con-billboards-illegal-20784530.php

Unknown. 2025. Richmond's GWAR celebrates 40 years with new music, comic book and anniversary tour. 6 News (July 24): https://www.wtvr.com/news/local-news/gwar-anniversary-tour-july-24-2025

Wilkinson, Isambard. 2025. Salvador Dalí's final interview, revealed in graphic detail; a comic-book version of the artist's biography seeks to educate young Spaniards about a historic figure — and revives claims of Federico García Lorca's unrequited love. [London] Times (July 24): https://www.thetimes.com/world/europe/article/salvador-dalis-final-interview-revealed-in-graphic-detail-bg8w3q68t

Barmett, David. 2024. What comic-books can teach us about business—and ethics Publishers such as DSTLRY are plotting a better way forward—creatively and financially—for writers and artists. Prospect (March 28): https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/culture/the-culture-newsletter/70667/what-comic-books-can-teach-us-about-businessand-ethics

Alexander, Antoinette. 2025.  How Bellevue College Is Celebrating an Alum's Graphic Novel [Ross Ishikawa, "We Hereby Refuse"]. 425 (July 23, updated July 25): https://www.425magazine.com/arts-entertainment/bellevue-college-ross-ishikawa-we-hereby-refuse-event/article_4538a398-47cf-44bf-8e97-578298f946e6.html

Spurrier, Simon. 2025. Simon Spurrier on the Best Crime Comics, and Why We Need More Crossover Readers. Crime Reads (July 24): https://crimereads.com/simon-spurrier-on-the-best-crime-comics-and-why-we-need-more-crossover-readers/

Unknown. 1925. [Ding Darling visits New York]. Editor and Publisher 58 (20; October 10): 46. https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1925-10-10_58_20/page/46/mode/2up

Alverson, Brigid. 2025. Archie Comics to continue publishing new material; Plus: Quarterly newsstand magazine to launch in March. ICv2 (December 19): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61262/archie-comics-continue-publishing-new-material

Griepp, Milton. 2025. Court orders chapter 7 for Diamond; Disputes stayed, consignors get some money. ICv2 (December 22): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61265/court-orders-chapter-7-diamond

Thorne, Scott. 2025. Rolling for initiative -- In the customer's mind, they are the same [Free Comic Book Day; Comics Giveaway Day]. ICv2 (December 22): https://icv2.com/articles/columns/view/61266/rolling-initiative-in-customers-mind-they-are-same

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Mark Spears' Monsters tops Bleeding Cool weekly bestseller list; Mark Spears' Monsters #8, available only in a blind bag, sells more DC's K.O. and Absolute Flash in the Bleeding Cool weekly bestseller list. Bleeding Cool (December 21): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/mark-spears-monsters-tops-bleeding-cool-weekly-bestseller-list/

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Jim Lee trolls the internet over Superman and Spider-Man crossover. Bleeding Cool (December 21): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/jim-lee-trolls-the-internet-over-superman-and-spider-man-crossover/

Zahed, Ramin. 2025. Why director Konstantin Bronzit decided to hide his identity and other great revelations about his Oscar short-listed "The Three Sisters"! (Exclusive) [Russia]. Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/why-director-konstantin-bronzit-decided-to-hide-his-identity-and-other-great-revelations-behind-his-oscar-short-listed-the-three-sisters-exclusive/

Spry, Jeff. 2025. "Dog of God": Hunting the werewolves of Livonia [Latvia]. Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/dog-of-god-hunting-the-werewolves-of-livonia/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. Intermarché's animated holiday ad featuring a vegetarian wolf wins hearts around the world [advertisement; The Unloved (Le Mal-Aimé); France]. Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/intermarches-animated-holiday-ad-featuring-a-vegetarian-wolf-wins-hearts-around-the-world/

Solomon, Charles. 2025. Seeking better lives in alternate worlds; The rise of isekai anime. Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/seeking-better-lives-in-alternate-worlds-the-rise-of-isekai-anime/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. WEBTOON adds new video episode originals & launches "Watch" tab. Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/webtoon-adds-new-video-episode-originals-launches-watch-tab/

Garcia, Alex. 2025. Legalization Nation: Reporting reality, one panel at a time [Box Brown]. Comics Kingdom's Inside the Kingdom (December 5): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FojQYgL_p8

Alfonso, Ines. 2025. Legalization Nation: Reporting reality, one panel at a time with Box Brown. Comics Kingdom (December 5): https://comicskingdom.com/trending/blog/2025/12/05/legalization-nation-reporting-reality-one-panel-at-a-time-with-box-brown

Beiman, Nancy. 2025. A Magnificent Life; And a very fine film [Sylvain Chomet]. FurBabies (December 22): https://nancybeiman.substack.com/p/a-magnificent-life

Gonzalez, Elijah. 2025. Despite critical and financial success, 2025 continued the anime industry's "profitless boom"; By most metrics, 2025 was an ascendant year for anime. So why are so many studios still struggling?. AV Club (December 22): https://www.avclub.com/anime-industry-2025-profitless-boom

Carter, Justin. 2025. "Dan Da Dan" will beam down with season 3 in 2027; Science Saru will bring "Dan Da Dan" back to your screens in just under two years with new threats and more romance. io9 (December 21): https://gizmodo.com/dan-da-dan-will-beam-down-with-season-3-in-2027-2000702348

Southard, Louis. 2025. Comic culture with Louis Southard. Comic Culture (December 22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUL9cb8DDlU

Priest, Christopher. 2025. When the comic book industry blacklists you. Shine Comics (December 21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE9xFGNhjBA

Harper, David and Brandon Burpee. 2025. Let's count down our 20 favorite comics of 2025 (and talk about the year in comics). SKTCHD's Off Panel (December 22): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ--ixkAEiw

Stein, Joel. 2025. Mickey Mouse: An open letter to Bob Iger (Re: Sora) [AI]. Hollywood Reporter (December 22): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/mickey-mouse-open-letter-bob-iger-sora-1236456974/

Zeitchik, Steven and Julian Sancton. 2025. How Disney's OpenAI deal changes everything; After a wild few weeks, two Hollywood Reporter editors dissect the tech-entertainment deal of the century. Hollywood Reporter (December 22): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/bob-iger-disney-openai-sora-ai-video-1236456928/

Lemire, Jeff. 2025. Goodbye 2025. Hello 2026; My year in review and looking ahead to new projects and a new year. Tales From the Farm (December 22): https://jefflemire.substack.com/p/goodbye-2025-hello-2026

Bluhm, Mads. 2025. Black Hammer, Jeff Lemire og Teddy Kristiansen live fra Bogforum Comics 2025. Supersnak! (November 22): https://soundcloud.com/supersnak/black-hammer-jeff-lemire-og-teddy-kristiansen-live-fra-bogforum-comics-2025

McGuire, Liam. 2025. Captain America's Chip Zdarsky shows off his art collection - creator owned art. Comic Frontier (December 22): https://www.comicfrontier.com/p/captain-america-s-chip-zdarsky-shows-off-his-art-collection-creator-owned-art

Casey, Joe. 2025. Marvel comics' Batman… almost (Pt. 2) [The Shroud]. Joe Casey Writes (December 22): https://thejoecasey.substack.com/p/marvel-comics-batman-almost-pt-2

The New Eye of Broadcasting by Daniel Boris

 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 12/20-21/2025

  *D'Mura, Claire. 2025. Nonsensical Nomenclature: The Botanical Musings of Edward Lear. Library of Congress' Inside Adams blog (December 19): https://blogs.loc.gov/inside_adams/2025/12/nonsene-botany/

  *Lodge, Sara. 2019. Inventing Edward Lear. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press

Rannou, Maël. 2017. Naissance et développement du fanzinat de bande dessinée en France (1962-1975). France: l'Université du Maine. online at https://www.citebd.org/sites/default/files/blog_9eart/IMG/pdf/memoirerannoufanzine.pdf

Vary, Adam V. 2025. Johnny Depp Joins 'Hyde' Graphic Novel Series From Ridley Scott and Mechanical Cake, Will Create Title Character (Exclusive). Variety (July 21): https://variety.com/2025/film/news/johnny-depp-hyde-ridley-scott-mechanical-cake-1236466144/

Zalben, Alex. 2025. 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Angel' Return to Comics, Both from Kelly Thompson. Comic Book Club Live (July 23): https://comicbookclublive.com/2025/07/23/buffy-the-vampire-slayer-angel-comics-dynamite-kelly-thompson/

Li-Vollmer, Meredith. 2025. Health + Care: a comic strip salutes 10 years of Seattle/King County Clinic. Public Heath Insider (July 22): https://publichealthinsider.com/2025/07/22/health-care-a-comic-strip-salutes-10-years-of-seattle-king-county-clinic/

Icarus. Lewis & Tolkien Graphic Novel 'Mythmakers' To Receive Big-Screen Animated Adaptation. Narnianews (July 22): https://www.narniaweb.com/2025/07/lewis-tolkien-graphic-novel-mythmakers-to-receive-big-screen-animated-adaptation/

Wise, Kathy and Kayla E. (art). 2025. Trauma Comics. Kayle E. experienced unspeakable abuse growing up in a Dallas suburb. D Magazine (July). Online at https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2025/july-issue/booker-t-graduate-kayla-e-channels-her-childhood-trauma-into-precious-rubbish/

Myrick, Joe Anthony. 2025. Does Youngblood's $500,000 Milestone Represent a Seismic Change for the Entire Comic Industry? Screen Rant (July 22): https://screenrant.com/youngblood-new-edition-rob-liefeld-comic-industry/

Accomondo, Beth and Mike Damron. 2025. Comic-Con's Eisner Awards honor the best in comics, from superheroes to scholarship. KPBS (July 22): https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2025/07/22/eisner-awards-comic-con-2025 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HngrmE

Aere, Joseph. 2025. Indigi-Con honors Native culture during San Diego Comic-Con week. KPBS (July 23): https://www.kpbs.org/news/arts-culture/2025/07/23/indigi-con-honors-native-culture-during-san-diego-comic-con-week and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T44MqEMlIh0

Swinimer, John. 2017-. True North Country Comics [Canadian comic book and graphic novels]. https://truenorthcountrycomics.com/

Here is the updated list for the current batch (148–180) with the correction to 180, the original publication names restored, and all your permanent rules applied (no leading zeros in dates, semicolons for subtitles, and the standardized ComicPop Returns' Elseworlds Exchange name).

Comics Research Bibliography: Updated Full List
Belefski, Carolyn. 2025. New library card design for Fairfax County Public Library; Winning the library card design contest. Carolyn's Substack (December 18): https://carolynbelefski.substack.com/p/new-library-card-design-for-fairfax

Edwards, Bob. 2025. Jazz, joy and one ragged Christmas tree; 60 years of "A Charlie Brown Christmas". NPR (December 9): https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5622039/charlie-brown-christmas-charles-schulz-peanuts-holiday-special-60-years

Webber, Georgia. 2025. Why this, why now? with Tom Hart [graphic medicine]. Drawing Health (1; December 21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1-MtUIFVw

Swinimer, John. 2017. Interview with Ron Kasman – part one-two. True North Country Comics (October 2): https://truenorthcountrycomics.com/2017/10/02/interview-with-ron-kasman-part-one/

Swinimer, John. 2024. Ron Kasman reveals the story of "The Cosmic Con" [Canada]. True North Country Comics (September 23): https://truenorthcountrycomics.com/2024/09/23/ron-kasman-reveals-the-story-of-the-cosmic-con/

Sweney, Mark. 2025. Sony collars Snoopy in £340m deal to take control of Peanuts franchise; Japanese conglomerate raises to 80% its stake in firm that owns the intellectual property created by Charles Schulz. The Guardian (December 19): https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/19/sony-collars-snoopy-in-340m-deal-to-take-control-of-peanuts-franchise

Gertler, Nat. 2025. Peanuts ownership changes. AAUGH Blog (December 18): https://aaugh.com/wordpress/2025/12/peanuts-ownership-changes/

Harper, David. 2025. The SKTCHD AWRDS; The creators of 2025. SKTCHD (December 17): https://sktchd.com/column/the-sktchd-awrds-the-creators-of-2025/

Sumner, Andrew. 2025. Michael Moorcock's Winter Solstice 2025. Forbidden Planet TV (December 21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WO1IC_LtZXY

Crivelli, Sal. 2021. Tom King talks writing, Supergirl and more!. ComicPop Returns' Elseworlds Exchange (May 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWI5tKuh4xc

Crivelli, Sal. 2020. Tom King on Marvel vs DC, Batman vs Predator and other stuff [interview]. ComicPop Returns' Elseworlds Exchange (November 3): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sywS1ko-Cw

Crivelli, Sal. 2024. Tom King chats Batman villains, Archie, and superhero movies!. ComicPop Returns' Elseworlds Exchange (January 25): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_z0srZSlh7E

Crivelli, Sal. 2025. Tom King talks Batman, War and Corgis!. ComicPop Returns' Elseworlds Exchange (May 4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chsjTcZlXGk

Alt, Matt. 2025. Sony goes for Peanuts; Some thoughts on Japan's acquisition of an American icon. Matt Alt's Pure Invention (December 20): https://blog.pureinventionbook.com/p/sony-goes-for-peanuts

Bennett, Tara. 2025. The SpongeBob Movie; Search for SquarePants is keelhauled by its lack of ambition. AV Club (December 19): https://www.avclub.com/the-spongebob-movie-the-search-for-squarepants-review

Eisenbeis, Richard. 2025. Interview; Crafting a film about social media-induced trauma with Macross creator Shōji Kawamori [Labyrinth]. Anime News Network (December 19): https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2025-12-19/crafting-a-film-about-social-media-induced-trauma-with-macross-creator-shoji-kawamori/.231248

Garcia, Alex. 2025. Finding the funny in the everyday; Hilary Price and Rhymes with Orange. Comics Kingdom's Inside the Kingdom (December 19): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVpfuxYub-c

Smith, Steve. 2025. A merry Dick Tracy Christmas. Panels & Prose (December 21): https://panelsandprose.com/2025/12/21/a-merry-dick-tracy-christmas/

Chapman, Adam. 2025. A conversation with Chuck Austen; Creator commentary on Ultimate X-Men 13-14, X-Men Unlimited 44-45. Comic Shenanigans (1123; December 21): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF_1LO9PGSg

Sanders, Hannah March. 2025. Friday night comics Dec 19 with Hannah March Sanders. Sequential Artists Workshop (December 19): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnsfjRkMrr4

Freeman, John. 2025. In memoriam; Absurdist cartoonist Édouard Karali aka Édika. downthetubes (December 19): https://downthetubes.net/in-memoriam-absurdist-cartoonist-edouard-karali-aka-edika/

Truc, Jean-Laurent. 2025. Le décès d'Édika. Ligne Claire (December 16): https://www.ligneclaire.info/le-deces-dedika-702782.html

Truc, Jean-Laurent. 2025. La bande dessinée en Asie orientale primé par SoBD meilleur ouvrage sur la bande dessinée 2025. Ligne Claire (December 18): https://www.ligneclaire.info/la-bande-dessinee-en-asie-orientale-prime-par-sobd-meilleur-ouvrage-sur-la-bande-dessinee-2025-702464.html

Truc, Jean-Laurent. 2025. Isao Takahata à Paris pour une visite en images à la Maison de la culture du Japon. Ligne Claire (December 20): https://www.ligneclaire.info/isao-takahata-a-paris-pour-une-visite-en-images-a-la-maison-de-la-culture-du-japon-702530.html

Fox, Killian. 2025. Joe Sacco; "I can't turn away from what's going on in Gaza"; The war reporter and cartoonist on documenting riots in India and violence in the Middle East – and indulging his love of the Rolling Stones. The Observer (December 3): https://observer.co.uk/culture/books/article/joe-sacco-i-cant-turn-away-from-whats-going-on-in-gaza

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Diamond bankruptcy court orders money in escrow released to publishers. Bleeding Cool (December 20): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-bankruptcy-court-orders-money-in-escrow-released-to-publishers/

DePaul, Tony. 2025. A look ahead at the Phantom. The Nickels of the Man (December 18): https://tonydepaul.net/a-look-ahead-at-the-phantom/

Roth, Jonathan. 2025. Getting to know; K. Woodman-Maynard. Beep Boop Blog (December 21): https://jonathan-roth.com/2025/12/21/getting-to-know-k-woodman-maynard/

Roth, Jonathan. 2025. Getting to know; Mirka Hokkanen. Beep Boop Blog (September 10): https://jonathan-roth.com/2025/09/10/getting-to-know-mirka-hokkanen/

Bacon, James. 2025. In review; Ten years of Charlie Chan Hock Chye by Sonny Liew – a Singaporean celebration. downthetubes (December 19): https://downthetubes.net/in-review-ten-years-of-charlie-chan-hock-chye-by-sonny-liew-a-singaporean-celebration/

Worrell, Bradley. 2025. Why a boy and his tiger still matter; Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson's beloved comic strip, ended three decades ago this month, yet its magic endures, says William Kuskin, CU Boulder English professor and expert on comics and graphic novels. Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine (December 18): https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2025/12/18/why-boy-and-his-tiger-still-matter

Worrell, Bradley. 2025. Up, up and away … to another Superman movie; CU Boulder's William Kuskin, who teaches a course on comics and graphic novels, considers Superman's enduring appeal as Hollywood debuts a new adaptation about the Man of Steel. Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine (July 9): https://www.colorado.edu/asmagazine/2025/07/09/and-away-another-superman-movie

Loveridge, Lynzee. 2025. "Cruel Angel's Thesis" singer Yoko Takahashi reflects on the iconic theme [aka Evangelion opening theme singer - exclusive interview]. Anime News Network (December 17): https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2025-12-17/cruel-angel-thesis-singer-yoko-takahashi-reflects-on-the-iconic-theme/.232061

Jonathan Roth's interviews with K. Woodman-Maynard and Mirka Hokkanen

Getting to Know: K. Woodman-Maynard

Jonathan Roth

Beep Boop Blog  December 21, 2025 

https://jonathan-roth.com/2025/12/21/getting-to-know-k-woodman-maynard/

Mirka's interview is about illustrated books, but she's done children's GNs.

Getting to Know: Mirka Hokkanen

Jonathan Roth

 

Beep Boop Blog  September 10, 2025  

 https://jonathan-roth.com/2025/09/10/getting-to-know-mirka-hokkanen/

Snow Job by Daniel Boris

 

Jan 6 Snow Globe by Daniel Boris

*For the hard to shop for crazy Uncle.

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "TrumpGas"

 
"They can still see his headless body stalking through the night
In the muzzle flash of Roland's Thompson gun!"
– Warren Zevon,
   "Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner", 1978


This old chestnut from my crazed student daze wasn't really historically
apropos to this cartoon, but it was stuck in my head the whole time I
was working on it. It was in our Dorm Top Forty in senior year, when I
was drawing in the Yipster Times and my buds and I were getting ready to
pie the Dean. I couldn't begin to explain it; the sonofabitch just kinda
leaped out of my memory, cranked to 11.

But, let's just put those old giggles aside for now, and take ourselves
a zesty, steamy gawk at the front page of Pravda On The Potomac from
last Thursday (as I write this) – or, as I called it, the "Venezuela
Special". JEEEEzus CHRIST, willya LOOK at that goddamn mess. The main
head on the front-page lead piece on the Donster's latest yo-ho-ho'ing
looks as if they're in on the Cheer For Bullying, Piracy And Thievery
Without Actually Cheering For Bullying, Piracy And Thievery Challenge –
nothing if not the internal agonizing and mental pretzel-twisting of my
imperialist Liberal friends'n'fam made publicly visible. They're
actually in favor of something the Donster is doing, and so they're just
going all splungy. So, what's he gonna do with the goddamn tanker, now –
open his own gas-station chain? "TrumpGas"? He's already started up his
own social-media site and plastered his name all over all kinds of shit,
why not gas stations? "You can trust your car to the man who..."

...but, enough of that; let's move on to the featured foto on the left,
where the true hilarity ensues – in which The Courageous Venezuelan
Opposition Leader* Who Looks Like The Villainess In A Telenovela And Who
Begged Trump To Invade Her Country And Who Can't Come Out Of Hiding To
Accept Her Cracker Jack Peace Prize Sends Her Daughter Instead.

*Note that here, as in all cases, the phrase "opposition leader" in the
US press is a stand-in for the phrase "USAID, NED and
multiple-corporate-backed right-wing US stooge".

-----

"Boosting Pressure on Venezuela, U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker", Washington
Post Dec 11 2025
https://sinkers.org/posters/trumpgas/wapoA1Dec1125boosting_pressure.jpg

"Venezuelan Nobel Peace Laureate Machado Misses Ceremony", Washington
Post Dec 11 2025
https://sinkers.org/posters/trumpgas/wapoA1Dec1125machado_misses_ceremony.jpg

Warren Zevon, "Roland, The Headless Thompson Gunner", 1978
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRWCK9zGynA
 ________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 12/19/2025

Tait, Ed. 2025. Crankshaft for the 'W'. bluebombers.com  (July 20): https://www.bluebombers.com/2025/07/20/crankshaft-for-the-w/

Rollason, Kevin. 2025.  Crankshaft comes to Winnipeg Comic strip characters — big Bombers fans — visit city beginning Monday in Free Press. Winnipeg Free Press (July 21): https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/featured/2025/07/21/crankshaft-comes-to-winnipeg

Romero, Anna Maria. 2025. Is filial piety ever enough? Comic strip on 'Why I gave up on my mother' goes viral [Singapore; Woke Salaryman]. Independent Singapore (July 21): https://theindependent.sg/is-filial-piety-ever-enough-comic-strip-on-why-i-gave-up-on-my-mother-goes-viral/

Burdette, Chad. 2025. The Creators Of Image Comics Ice Cream Man Push The Limits Again in Ice Cream Man: The Mortal Coil Shuffle. Comic Watch (July 19): https://comic-watch.com/news/the-creators-of-image-comics-ice-cream-man-push-the-limits-again-in-ice-cream-man-the-mortal-coil-shuffle

Unknown. 2023. Sean Fitzgibbon's 'What Follows Is True: Crescent Hotel' on Display in UAM Glassblock Gallery. UAM News (October 5): https://www.uamont.edu/news/sean-fitzgibbon-art-display.html

Bartholomew, Dustin. 2022. Local artist to celebrate release of new graphic non-fiction book about the Crescent Hotel [Sean Fitzbibbon; Eureka Springs, AR]. Fayetteville Flyer (July 15): https://fayettevilleflyer.com/2022/07/15/local-artist-to-celebrate-release-of-new-graphic-non-fiction-book-on-crescent-hotel/

Osei-Tutu, Demetria. 2025. Nigerian author Roye Okupe is the 'luckiest guy' with new animated series Iyanu. EXCLUSIVE: Roye Okupe spoke about his new animated series, Iyanu, that debuted in April. The series is based on his graphic novel, Iyanu: [London] Mirror (July 20): https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/tv/roye-okupe-nigerian-series-iyanu-1276591

Campbell, Marc. 2025. The totally bizarre world of James Bond comic books from India. Dangerous Minds (July 22): https://dangerousminds.net/pop-culture/james-bond-comic-books-from-india/

Baggett, James Augustus and Grant Webster (photo.). 2025. Let's Get Graphic: Comic book artist Eric Gapstur shares his journey from a frustrating Iowa boyhood to becoming a beloved graphic novelist. The Iowan (December)

Hsieh, Angela. 2025. Comic: Exploring the ocean's wonderous, mysterious depths [non-fiction]. NPR (July 21): https://www.npr.org/2025/07/21/g-s1-77886/ocean-marine-research-earth-science

Dave. 2025. Matteo Scalera on The fourth father, and the cost of making comics the right way. Direct Edition (December 15): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brB4X53VWCo

Chiu-Tabet, Christopher. 2025. The Beat Digest 12/19/25; Resident Alien gets One More for the Road. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-121925/

Chiu-Tabet, Christopher. 2025. Sony acquires majority control of Peanuts rights. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/sony-peanuts-rights/

Morris, D. 2025. Interview; Nick Cagnetti reveals the inspiration for new horror comic Spirit of the Shadows. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-nick-cagnetti-talks-horror-with-spirit-of-the-shadows/

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Absolute Archie Comics…Oni Press relaunches Archie in 2026. Bleeding Cool (December 18): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/absolute-archie-comics-oni-press-relaunches-archie-in-2026/

Alverson, Brigid. 2025. Archie licenses IP to Oni Press for new series, OGNs, and collections Including 'Archie in Hell' by Patrick Horvath. ICv2 (December 18): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61253/archie-licenses-ip-oni-press-new-series-ogns-collections

Griepp, Milton. 2025. New Archie - Dynamite Crossover Deal Kicking Off with Archie and Army of Darkness. ICv2 (September 03): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/60438/new-archie-dynamite-crossover-deal

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Superman vs Homelander in DC's K.O. Boss Battle in 2026. Bleeding Cool (December 16): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/superman-vs-homelander-in-dcs-k-o-boss-battle-in-2026/

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Kieron Gillen on creating a horror version of Spider-Man for Creepshow. Bleeding Cool (December 18): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/kieron-gillen-on-creating-a-horror-version-of-spider-man-for-creepshow/

Johnston, Rich. 2025. Diamond comics bankruptcy fallout; Ablaze buys NBM Publishing. Bleeding Cool (December 18): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/diamond-comics-bankruptcy-fallout-abaze-buys-nbm-publishing/

Degg, D. D. 2025. Randy Jones – RIP. Daily Cartoonist (December 18): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/12/18/randy-jones-rip/

Unknown. 2017. Monsters of the Ivy League [Randy Jones, caricature]. Now What Media (July 20): http://www.nowwhatmedia.com/pages_folder/whatnow_pages/whatnow_2017/monsters-of-the-ivy-league.html

Unknown. 2025. Jones; Randy Glenn of Exeter. Haskett Funeral Homes (December 13): https://www.haskettfh.com/jones-randy-glenn-of-exeter/

Dohm-Sanchez, Jeffrey. 2025. Batman "rookie card" sells for big money at Heritage. ICv2 (December 18): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/61250/batman-rookie-card-sells-big-money-heritage

Brzeski, Patrick. 2025. Japan's Toho moves to capitalize on Europe's anime boom; With Europe's $4.8 billion anime market expected to double in size by the end of the decade, Japan's leading entertainment player is acquiring U.K. distributor Anime Limited and partnering with Germany's Plaion Pictures to extend its reach across the continent. The Hollywood Reporter (December 19): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/japans-toho-moves-to-capitalize-on-europes-anime-boom-1236454699/

Degg, D. D. 2025. Politico's final print edition [Matt Wuerker]. Daily Cartoonist (December 18): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/12/18/politicos-final-print-edition/

Denis, Ricardo Serrano. 2025. Graphic novel review; Darryl Cunningham's Elon Musk book should be read in preparation for 2026. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/graphic-novel-review-darryl-cunninghams-elon-musk-book-should-be-read-in-preparation-for-2026/

Kaplan, Ollie. 2025. WEBTOON's CSO Yongsoo Kim on their new creator initiatives. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/webtoons-cso-yongsoo-kim-on-their-new-creator-initiatives/

Sheriff, Amanda. 2025. Ted & Lisa Van Liew comic art collection offered at ComicLink. Scoop (December 17): https://www.overstreetaccess.com/ted-lisa-van-liew-comic-art-collection-offered-at-comiclink/

Chatfield, Jason. 2025. I grew up in the most isolated city on earth and somehow ended up in Manhattan; Thoughts on coming home for Christmas. New York Cartoons (December 19): https://www.newyorkcartoons.com/p/i-grew-up-in-the-most-isolated-city

Thompson, Maggie. 2025. Turning points [159]. Scoop (December 18): https://www.overstreetaccess.com/turning-points-by-maggie-thompson-159/

Unknown. 2025. Writer-director Danielle Olson launches "Marbles"; A personal short about cherishing each day of life. Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/writer-director-danielle-olson-launches-marbles-a-personal-short-about-cherishing-each-day-of-life/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. "Detective Conan" celebrates 30 years of mystery with new hour-long special & more. Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/detective-conan-celebrates-30-years-of-mystery-with-new-hour-long-special-more/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. I2A2 Studios & Odd Ninja Media join forces to adapt Jason B. Ryan's "Jericho Cutter" comic into an animated series. Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/i2a2-studios-odd-ninja-media-join-forces-to-adapt-jason-b-ryans-jericho-cutter-comic-into-an-animated-series/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. Sony group companies ink agreement to acquire "Peanuts" stake from WildBrain. Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/sony-group-companies-ink-agreement-to-acquire-peanuts-stake-from-wildbrain/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. Adult Swim renews "Haha, You Clowns" animated comedy for two more seasons. Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/adult-swim-renews-haha-you-clowns-animated-comedy-for-two-more-seasons/

Unknown. 2025. Behind the scenes; The making of "The lost chapter; Yuki's revenge". Animation Magazine (December 19): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/behind-the-scenes-the-making-of-the-lost-chapter-yukis-revenge/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2025. "The wonderfully weird world of Gumball" receives two season order for the holidays! Animation Magazine (December 18): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/12/the-wonderfully-weird-world-of-gumball-receives-two-season-order-for-the-holidays/

Marsh, Calum. 2025. "David" Review; Preaching to the Choir in print as 'David']. New York Times (December 19): C4. Online at  https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/movies/david-review.html

Yu, Brandon. 2025. "The SpongeBob Movie; Search for SquarePants" review; Underwater adventure [in print as Leaving a Pineapple And Setting Off On an Adventure]. New York Times (December 19): C6. Online at https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/movies/the-spongebob-movie-search-for-squarepants-review.html

Burscough, Clark. 2025. To blave – this week's links. TCJ (December 19): https://www.tcj.com/to-blave-this-weeks-links/

NYPL Best Comics Committee. 2025. NYPL's top ten comics and graphic novels of 2025. New York Public Library (October 3): https://www.nypl.org/blog/2025/10/03/nypls-top-ten-comics-and-graphic-novels-2025

Jamieson, Teddy. 2025. From Bowie to the Mitford sisters, the 10 best graphic novels of 2025. Herald Scotland (December 10): https://www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/25682429.bowie-mitford-sisters-10-best-graphic-novels-2025/

Beirne, Luke. 2025. The best Canadian comics of 2025. CBC Books (December 12): https://www.cbc.ca/books/the-best-canadian-comics-of-2025-9.6995957

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT). 2025. 2025 best graphic novels for adults reading list. ALA's Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT). https://www.ala.org/gncrt/2025-best-graphic-novels-adults-reading-list

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT). 2025. 2025 best graphic novels for children reading list. ALA's Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT). https://www.ala.org/gncrt/2025-best-graphic-novels-children-reading-list

Coplan, Chris, Jonathan Waugh, Collier Jennings, Rory Wilding, David Brooke, Vish, and Michael Guerrero. 2025. AIPT's best comics of 2025; Part 1. AIPT (December 16): https://aiptcomics.com/2025/12/16/aipts-best-comics-of-2025-part-1/

Coplan, Chris, David Brooke, Lia Williamson, Vish, Kevin Clark, Collier Jennings, and Justin Harrison. 2025. AIPT's best comics of 2025; Part 2. AIPT (December 18): https://aiptcomics.com/2025/12/18/aipts-best-comics-of-2025-part-2/

O'Doherty, Cara. 2025. Cork comic writer; "When I got the Marvel email, I had to step outside to compose myself"; Comic book writer Gary Moloney tells Cara O'Doherty how a Cork City Library initiative helped him on his career path. Echo Live (December 08): https://www.echolive.ie/entertainment/whatson/arid-41762249.html

Chazan, Helen. 2025. Reviews; Light of the moon. TCJ (December 18): https://www.tcj.com/reviews/light-of-the-moon/

Henehan, Billy. 2025. Interview; Scott Dunbier discusses his favorite Jim Aparo comics for newest Artist's Edition. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-scott-dunbier-jim-aparo-artists-edition/

Dar, Taimur. 2025. NYC council approves Jack Kirby Way street. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/nyc-council-approves-jack-kirby-way/

MacDonald, Heidi. 2025. The team that changed comics journalism forever is back with Exploit. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/exploit-mad-cave-announced/

Perez, Javier. 2025. Mike Deodato Jr. accused of using AI in Ultimate Oz Universe [Updated]. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/mike-deodato-jr-accused-of-using-ai-in-ultimate-oz-universe-updated/

Chik, Kalai. 2025. Review; Adult Swim's The Elephant connects viewers to a bygone era. Comics Beat (December 19): https://www.comicsbeat.com/adult-swim-the-elephant-connects-viewers-to-a-bygone-era/

Carolyn Belefski's new Substack newsletter

 

...can be signed up for at https://carolynbelefski.substack.com/

It's formally titled Carolyn's Substack

The first post is about her design for a Fairfax County Library card

3 minutes of a Charles Schulz interview repurposed on NPR

 Jazz, joy and one ragged Christmas tree: 60 years of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Bob Edwards
December 9, 2025 

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5622039/charlie-brown-christmas-charles-schulz-peanuts-holiday-special-60-years

https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/specials/2025/12/20251208_specials_60_years_ago_a_charlie_brown_christmas_became_a_beloved_holiday_tradition.mp3

Jesse Lonergan being interviewed by Shawn Martinbrough (UPDATED)

Live at Fantom Comics in DC.

They're covering his early life in Vermont and his attraction to Image and then the small press including Reid Fleming. He says he is self taught. He was first published by NBM.

Here's a true fan who bought his book in to be signed a SECOND time after ordering the signed copy online.

 

 More photos are at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCEzEV

Missed it - Angela Hsieh comic on NPR last summer

Hsieh, Angela. 2025. Comic: Exploring the ocean's wonderous, mysterious depths [non-fiction]. National Public Radio (July 21): https://www.npr.org/2025/07/21/g-s1-77886/ocean-marine-research-earth-science

Carla Speed McNeil's Settlers of the Storm Worlds ashcan for sale

Carla has put copies of the SPX ashcan up on her etsy store at 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lightspeedpress?ref=shop_profile&listing_id=4427290554

Books will be shipped in plastic sleeves and rigid mailers with a little thank-you card. Personalizations available, of course!

Politico no longer in print

I saw this yesterday, but DD beat me to posting about it, so here's his story. Personally, I'll really miss seeing Matt Wuerker's watercolors on good white newsprint.

Politico's Final Print Edition

 D. D. Degg
Daily Cartoonist December 18, 2025                  

https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/12/18/politicos-final-print-edition/

Maryland's Roye Okupe spoke to a London paper this summer

Osei-Tutu, Demetria. 2025. Nigerian author Roye Okupe is the 'luckiest guy' with new animated series Iyanu. EXCLUSIVE: Roye Okupe spoke about his new animated series, Iyanu, that debuted in April. The series is based on his graphic novel, Iyanu: [London] Mirror (July 20): https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/tv/roye-okupe-nigerian-series-iyanu-1276591

hattip to Tony Rose for this