Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 7/2/2026

Hauter, Alina. 2025. Zeeland man brings his comic book characters to life as action figures [Defenders of Eden, Matthew Rodriguez]. Fox17 (November 30): https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/holland-zeeland/zeeland-man-brings-his-comic-book-characters-to-life-as-action-figures

Griepp, Milton. 2026. Graphic Novels and Tabletop Games Ruled at ALA Show. ICv2 (July 1): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/62759/graphic-novels-tabletop-games-ruled-ala-show

Griepp, Milton. 2026. Explore the Store: Manga Spot [Chicago]. ICv2 (July 2): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/62762/explore-store-manga-spot

Higuera, Diego. 2026. Comics Crowdfunding Round-Up: Ghostbrawler, Grawlgore & Shanks, Outlaws Apprentice, and three more series you’ll love!. The Beat (July 2): https://www.comicsbeat.com/comics-crowdfunding-round-up-ghostbrawler-grawlgore-shanks-outlaws-apprentice-and-three-more-series-youll-love/

McGuire, Liam. 2026. Alex Paknadel Talks Revisiting the Original Ultimate Universe in Marvel's What If... Secret Wars #1. Comic Frontier (July 2): https://www.comicfrontier.com/p/alex-paknadel-talks-revisiting-the-original-ultimate-universe-in-marvel-s-what-if-secret-wars-1

Degg, D. D. 2026. Wiley Cuts Non Sequitur Workload. Daily Cartoonist (July 1): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2026/07/01/wiley-cuts-non-sequitur-workload/

MacDonald, Heidi. 2026. At ALA 2026, Comics Creators and Librarians Deepen Bonds. Publishers Weekly (July 2): https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/awards-and-prizes/article/100772-at-ala-2026-comics-creators-and-librarians-deepen-bonds.html

Drawn & Quarterly. 2026. In defense of Tillie and Comics.. @dandq.bsky.social (July 2): https://bsky.app/profile/dandq.bsky.social/post/3mpp24k56w22p

Dillon, Barbra. 2026. Fanbase Press Interviews Clover Press’ Hank Kanalz on the Kickstarter Campaign Launch for ‘The DC Art of Michael Turner’ in Collaboration with Aspen Comics. Fanbase Press (July 2): https://fanbasepress.com/press/interviews/comics/item/58783-fanbase-press-interviews-clover-press-hank-kanalz-on-the-kickstarter-campaign-launch-for-the-dc-art-of-michael-turner-in-collaboration-with-aspen-comics/

Dillon, Barbra. 2026. Fanbase Press Interviews Christof Bogacs on the Upcoming Release of the Graphic Novel, ‘Lex Luthor; Diabolical Genius,’ with DC Comics. Fanbase Press (June 29): https://fanbasepress.com/press/interviews/comics/item/58767-fanbase-press-interviews-christof-bogacs-on-the-upcoming-release-of-the-graphic-novel-lex-luthor-diabolical-genius-with-dc-comics/

Dillon, Barbra. 2026. Fanbase Press Interviews DJ Wooldridge on Returning to Kickstarter with ‘Danger Boi & the Statesmen’. Fanbase Press (July 1): https://fanbasepress.com/press/interviews/comics/item/58777-fanbase-press-interviews-dj-wooldridge-on-returning-to-kickstarter-with-danger-boi-the-statesmen/

Goforth, Chris. 2026. Nationally-known cartoonist once called Nebraska home [Herbert Johnson, political cartoonist]. Pure Nebraska (June 8): https://www.1011now.com/video/2026/06/08/nationally-known-cartoonist-once-called-nebraska-home/

Ristau, Oliver. 2026. The Wild Colonial Boy Conquers Rome. TCJ (July 1): https://www.tcj.com/the-wild-colonial-boy-conquers-rome/

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 7/1/2026

Johnston, Rich. 2026. Nick Dragotta, Jock & More Recreate Frank Miller's Dark Knight Returns; Dark Knight Returns #1 recreated for SDCC by Nick Dragotta, Ryan Ottley, Joelle Jones, Tommy Lee Edwards, Daniel Warren Johnson and more. Bleeding Cool (June 30): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/nick-dragotta-jock-more-recreate-frank-millers-dark-knight-returns/

Griepp, Milton. 2026. Gaiman-Palmer Suit Dismissed on Procedural Grounds By Court of Appeals. ICv2 (July 1): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/62748/gaiman-palmer-suit-dismissed-procedural-grounds

Deutsch, Barry. 2026. ["Having looked into this more: Calling Tillie Walden's graphic novel a "rip off" of Cleves' nonfiction book is an unfair attack on Walden."]. @barrydeutsch.bsky.social (July 1): https://bsky.app/profile/barrydeutsch.bsky.social/post/3mplqxklohs27

Salkowitz, Rob. 2026. Updated: Tillie Walden’s ‘Charity & Sylvia’ Puts A Complex Spin On Queer History. Forbes (July 1): https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2026/06/26/tillie-waldens-charity--sylvia-puts-a-complex-spin-on-queer-history/

Moniuszko, Sara. 2026. 'Shrek 5' trailer sparks backlash over Fiona's 'problematic' transformation. USA Today (June 30): https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/06/30/shrek-5-transforms-fiona-backlash/90691312007/

Goedde, Brian. 2026. This Board Book Genius Is One of America’s Great Authors [In print as: Sandra Boynton Is Not Silly]. New York Times (July 1): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/books/review/sandra-boynton-board-books-kids-hippos-go-berserk.html

Aufrichtig, Aliza. 2026. The Essential Sandra Boynton; An introduction to a living genius of children’s literature for the adults who will inevitably read her on repeat. New York Times (July 1): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/01/books/best-sandra-boynton-books.html

Harvey, Joyce. 2026. Lancaster honors comic strip creator Richard Outcault [aka Lancaster honors comic strip creator Richard Outcault]. Lancaster Eagle-Gazette (June 28): https://www.lancastereaglegazette.com/story/news/history/2026/06/28/exhibit-celebrates-buster-brown-creator-in-lancaster/90663952007/, and https://www.aol.com/articles/lancaster-honors-comic-strip-creator-091108532.html

Kelly. 2025. An Interview with Tom Racine, author & artist of Doomed to Die, an A-Z of death in Tolkien [Edward Gorey pastiche]. themiddlepage (October 21): https://themiddlepage.substack.com/p/an-interview-with-tom-racine-author

Racine, Tom. Doomed to Die, An A-Z of Death in Tolkien [Gorey pastiche]. New York: HarperCollins

Puc, Samantha. 2026. Marvel & Shueisha terminated their contract, meaning less manga in the Multiverse. The Beat (July 1): https://www.comicsbeat.com/marvel-shueisha-terminated-their-contract-meaning-less-manga-in-the-multiverse/

MacDonald, Heidi. 2026. Fan Expo Anaheim Special Edition and the new peak con. The Beat (July 1): https://www.comicsbeat.com/fan-expo-anaheim-special-edition-and-the-new-peak-con/

Salkowitz, Rob. 2026. Emaqi Looks to Grow Digital Manga Market with Subscription Service. Publishers Weekly (July 1): https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/comics/article/100751-emaqi-looks-to-grow-digital-manga-market-with-subscription-service.html

Stillman, Jessica. 2026. Your Brain Prefers to Read on Paper Rather Than on Screens, a New Study Says [manga literacy]. Inc.com (July 1): https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/your-brain-prefers-to-read-on-paper-rather-than-on-screens-new-study-says/91363608

Freeman, John. 2026. Make Mine Manga exhibition hits the streets – in Serbia!. downthetubes (July 1): https://downthetubes.net/make-mine-manga-exhibition-hits-the-streets-in-serbia/

Okay, Arpad. 2026. How to Read Blind Alley. The Beat (July 1): https://www.comicsbeat.com/how-to-read-blind-alley/

Zyglis, Adam. 2026. 2026 Buffalo News Editorial Cartoon Contest Winners [students]. Buffalo News (June 29): https://buffalonews.com/news/article_4daaa7a0-1688-45f0-b7af-882785e4c3b7.html

Hickey, Daniel. 2026. Why artist has stopped drawing cartoons of Yarmouth people [UK]. Great Yarmouth Mercury (June 29): https://www.greatyarmouthmercury.co.uk/news/26228426.artist-stopped-drawing-cartoons-yarmouth-people/

McGuire, Liam. 2026. Subject: Checking in with Kelly Thompson about Absolute Wonder Woman. Comic Frontier (July 1): https://www.comicfrontier.com/p/checking-in-with-kelly-thompson-about-absolute-wonder-woman

Katzman, Gregg. 2026. Supergirl raised the bar for Hollywood supporting comics [merchandising]. The Beat (July 1): https://www.comicsbeat.com/opinion-supergirl-raised-the-bar-for-hollywood-supporting-comics/

Portis III, James. 2026. Black-owned comic shop collective Ink Alliance debuts with exclusive Titans #38 Static variant. The Beat (July 1): https://www.comicsbeat.com/black-owned-comic-shop-collective-ink-alliance-debuts-with-exclusive-titans-38-static-variant/

Unknown. 2026. A Lighter Lineup for “Non Sequitur”. GoComics Newsletter (July 1): https://lvfr6.r.sp1-brevo.net/mk/mr/sh/WrtNePptzilvcFvniNxZXvQtTNoJE3Yf/t2JZBTZmwOcm

Siuntres, John. 2026. Franco talks Extra Terrestrials. Word Balloon (July 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCPHAWlTp9k

Siuntres, John. 2026. Tomm Corker Talks Undying Love. Word Balloon (July 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wj7l4EnZjs

Siuntres, John. 2026. SDCC Preview The Origins Of ComiCon [sic ComicCon]. Word Balloon (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19rbd3bfr6o

Siuntres, John. 2026. Paul Kupperberg Talks Supergirl and new novels. Word Balloon (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCepmLzJEog

Dollard, Terence. 2026. Comic Culture With Klaus Janson. Comic Culture (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssqd9C_HrOM

Nicholas, Jamar, Steve Conley, and Mike Manley. 2026. Marty Baumann. Pencil to Pencil (July 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUhkij66PWM

Prince, W. Maxwell and Martín Morazzo. 2026. The Deadman - Interview with W. Maxwell Prince and Martín Morazzo. DC Comics (July 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzA1ScZRRw8

Freeman, Atom. 2026. Who Is The First National Comics Chain? - Comic Industry Insiders Live. Prana: Direct Market Solutions (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zo1-R6ynoM

De Hart, Jason. 2026. Words, Images, & Worlds: Shawn McBee Talks Westron. Words, Images, & Worlds (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihgtMoPWiY8

Farley, Chad. 2026. Don Chin Interview: 40 Years of Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters!. Collectors Confessions (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlrwErUiVXg

Smith, Barney. 2026. The Comic Where Power and Faith Collide [W. Frank Walk, Pigmacast Studio, Kickstarter project Hellstones: Into the Fray]. StoryComic (July 1): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soMtvCZMvrU

Harrison, Bob and Mike Gold. 2026. Pop Culture SquadCast - LIVE With Special Guest Barbara Perez Marquez. Pop Culture Squad (June 30): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQLGAX1L4hA

Goldbart, Max. 2026. Genndy Tartakovsky’s ‘Heist Brothers’ Taken To Series At Adult Swim. Deadline (June 26): https://deadline.com/2026/06/heist-brothers-adult-swim-genndy-tartakovsky-annecy-1236965975/

Unknown. 1927. [Alan Dunn, who draws Gladys for the Metropolitan syndicate, is also an established fine artist]. Editor and Publisher 60 (11; August 6): 42. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-08-06_60_11/page/42/mode/2up

Metropolitan Newspaper Service. 1927. First Birthday -- Sept. 19 [Ella Cinders advertisement]. Editor and Publisher 60 (12; August 13): 31. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-08-13_60_12/page/30/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. ["Gaar Williams, cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune, recently took a two weeks' fishing trip to Hudson, Ont."]. Editor and Publisher 60 (12; August 13): 34. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-08-13_60_12/page/34/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. ["Jimmy Murphy, creator of Toots and Casper, is recovering at Polyclinic Hospital, New York City, from an operation for appendicitis"]. Editor and Publisher 60 (12; August 13): 34. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-08-13_60_12/page/34/mode/2up

Jahn, Jennifer. 2025. Author and educator Kim Shearer combines love of teaching with graphic-novel writing. Northern Kentucky Tribune (November 30): https://nkytribune.com/2025/11/author-and-educator-kim-shearer-combines-love-of-teaching-with-graphic-novel-writing/

Fuhrman, Dillon. 2025. CEO in Nebraska auctions off ‘Spider-Man’ comic book collection to fund hunger education. KYMA (November 29): https://kyma.com/news/national-world/2025/11/29/ceo-in-nebraska-auctions-off-spider-man-comic-book-collection-to-fund-hunger-education/

Quartz, Bryce. 2025. An interview with comic illustrator Christopher Taylor aka AlphaCMT. Gayming (November 28): https://gaymingmag.com/2025/11/an-interview-with-comic-illustrator-christopher-taylor-aka-alphacmt/

Clements, Alexis. 2025. And Then What? The Road after “Success” in the Arts. Alexis Clements uses Alison Bechdel’s new graphic novel “Spent” to meditate on the predicament of the creative artist today. Los Angeles Review of Books (November 29): https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/and-then-what-the-road-after-success-in-the-arts/

Burdette, Chad. 2025. ICYMI: Writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson Signs Multi-Year Exclusive with Marvel Comics. Comics Watch (November 28): https://comic-watch.com/news/icymi-writer-phillip-kennedy-johnson-signs-multi-year-exclusive-with-marvel-comics

Exner, Eike. 2026. Book Review: Andrea Horbinski: Manga’s First Century: How Creators and Fans Made Japanese Comics, 1905– 1989. Fandom | Cultures | Research 3 (1): 112-114. Online at https://doi.org/10.25969/MEDIAREP/24893 and https://journals.uni-marburg.de/fcr/article/view/9020/8683

Labra, Diego & Gerardo Del Vigo. 2024. From Analog to Digital, Between Love and Hate. The Birth of Manganime Fandom and Industry in Argentina. Fandom | Cultures | Research 1 (1): S. 77 - S. 92. Online at https://doi.org/10.25969/MEDIAREP/23329 and https://publish.fid-media.de/entities/article/e43da85c-d22e-43d8-af90-a679248b2890

 
Wilde, Lukas R. A. 2025. Book Review: Katharina Hülsmann: Japanische Fan-Comics: Transkulturelle Potenziale und lokale Gemeinschaft. Philipps-Universität Marburg. Fandom | Cultures | Research 2 (1): 86-88. Online at https://doi.org/10.25969/MEDIAREP/23960 and https://publish.fid-media.de/entities/review/ce8b5606-3e06-4171-a9be-e55e4b7341b8

Höwelkröger, David. 2025. Studio Ghibli Films Have Plot Holes? Vernacular, Connoisseurial Anime Reviews on YouTube as Database Consumption. Fandom | Cultures | Research 2 (1):  S. 81–97. Online at https://doi.org/10.25969/me and https://publish.fid-media.de/entities/article/6497e3ec-15d5-4559-90af-e5432496bbc9

Unknown. 1927. ["Ritzy Rosey is a new feature of King Features Syndicate. Faith Burrows of the News League of Ohio, Dayton, is the creator of this daily fashion strip"]. Editor and Publisher 60 (10; July 30): 34. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-30_60_10/page/34/mode/2up
 
Unknown. 1927. [A Paris taxi cab driver refused his fare for the honor of giving Rube Goldberg a tour of the city]. Editor and Publisher 60 (10; July 30): 34. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-30_60_10/page/34/mode/2up

 

Clarence Thomas Logic by Daniel Boris

 

Pop Culture SquadCast - LIVE with Special Guest Barbara Perez Marquez

Bob Harrison and Mike Gold

Pop Culture Squad  Jun 30, 2026  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQLGAX1L4hA

Join Bob and Mike as they chat about current Pop Culture events. Writer Barbara Perez Marquez will make her debut on the SquadCast. We will talk about her career in comics and her upcoming releases. Plus we will chat about whatever else we can think of. It's going to be a great time. Be there.

Arlington's own MARTY BAUMANN on PENCIL TO PENCIL 7/1/26

MARTY BAUMANN 

JAMAR NICHOLAS, STEVE CONLEY and MIKE MANLEY

PENCIL TO PENCIL 7/1/26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUhkij66PWM

 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/30/2026

Chiu-Tabet, Christopher. 2026. Justin Richards, prolific Doctor Who author, dead at 64. The Beat (June 30): https://www.comicsbeat.com/justin-richards-dead/

Wise, Doug. 2026. Supergirl movie review (exclusive!). ComicsDC Blog (June 30): https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2026/06/supergirl-movie-review-exclusive.html

Griepp, Milton. 2026. PRO: Fans Flocked to Comic Stores in Spring 2026 For Comics, Graphic Novels, Back Issues. ICv2 (June 30): https://icv2.com/articles/icv2-pro/view/62739/fans-flocked-comic-stores-spring-2026

Alverson, Brigid. 2026. Vibe Check: AA Comics & Cards; Comics sales are down a bit but 'Pokémon' is surging. ICv2 (June 30): https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/62742/vibe-check-aa-comics-cards

Postema, Barbara, Marco Pellitteri, Benjamin Woo, Jennifer Anderson Bliss, Eike Exner, Colin Beineke, Cassia Hayward-Fitch, and Mathieu Li-Goyette. 2026. John A. Lent, in memoriam (1936-2026). The International Comic Arts Forum (June): http://www.internationalcomicartsforum.org/lent-memorial.html

Johnston, Rich. 2026. American Mythology's Shared Universe Begins In September 2026 Solicits; American Mythology's shared universe, the CursedVerse, begins in their full September 2026 solicits, compared to Absolute and Ultimate universes. Bleeding Cool (June 29): https://bleedingcool.com/comics/american-mythologys-shared-universe-begins-in-september-2026-solicits/

Scheck, Frank. 2026. ‘Minions & Monsters’ Review: Antic blend of silliness and cinephilia delights, until it doesn’t; The little yellow creatures become movie stars during the silent film era in their new adventure, which boasts a vocal cast including Allison Janney, Jesse Eisenberg and Zoey Deutch. Hollywood Reporter (June 30): https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/minions-and-monsters-review-1236633838/

Puc, Samantha. 2026. Professor Rachel Hope Cleves wants Walden’s Charity & Sylvia licensed as an adaptation. The Beat (June 30): https://www.comicsbeat.com/professor-rachel-hope-cleves-wants-waldens-charity-sylvia-licensed-as-an-adaptation/

Chiu-Tabet, Christopher. 2026. The Beat Digest 06/30/26: Supergirl crash lands. The Beat (June 30): https://www.comicsbeat.com/digest-063026/

Rabiroff, Zach. 2026. Joshua Kendall Goes Inside Garry Trudeau. TCJ (June 30): https://www.tcj.com/joshua-kendall-goes-inside-garry-trudeau/

Cleves, Rachel Hope. 2026. An open letter, to readers, about Charity and Sylvia. I am very pained to feel the need to write this. @rachelcleves.bsky.social (June 29): https://bsky.app/profile/rachelcleves.bsky.social/post/3mphu4z2cys23

Walden, Tillie. 2026. Welcome! This is a website devoted to further elaboration on the pages of the graphic novel Charity and Sylvia by Tillie Walden. https://www.charityandsylvia.com/

Siuntres, John. 2026. Jeremy Adams Talks Knightfall GL Aquaman and more. Word Balloon (May 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAQrIMd1O8g

Cox, Bill. 2026. Comic Art Collector Interview with Eli Schwab [Cosmic Lion Productions]. CAF+ (May 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKHDUaEcbhk

Freeman, Atom. 2026. Eli Schwab and the Birth of Cosmic Lion Productions. Comic Industry Insiders (May 28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXrNAmnLVCU

Siuntres, John. 2026. DaVinci Remix With Richard Asley (sic Ashley) Hamilton. Word Balloon (May 28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIyeNuT84Z0

Kaplan, Avery. 2026. Video Interview: Billy West on Voice-A-Versa: Finding my voice(s) behind the mic. The Beat (June 30): https://www.comicsbeat.com/video-interview-billy-west-on-voice-a-versa-finding-my-voices-behind-the-mic/, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sE3VmC0q9M

Unknown. 2026. ‘Sundrud’ (Hold It Together) Director Fan Sissoko Explores the Immigrant Experience in Compass Film’s Annecy Prize-Winning Short [sponsored content][Iceland]. Animation Magazine (June 29): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/hold-it-together-director-fan-sissoko-explores-the-immigrant-experience-in-compass-films-annecy-prize-winning-short/

Wood, Lawrence. 2026. “Fruity Wedding” Caption Contest Commentary with Lawrence Wood. CartoonStock (June 1): https://www.cartoonstock.com/blog/fruity-wedding-caption-contest-commentary-with-lawrence-wood/

Wood, Lawrence. 2026. “Drinking Like Fish” Caption Contest Commentary with Lawrence Wood. CartoonStock (June 29): https://www.cartoonstock.com/blog/drinking-like-fish-caption-contest-commentary-with-lawrence-wood/

Mankoff, Bob, Lawrence Wood, Trevor Hoey, Joel Mishon, and Tim Hamilton. 2026. Welcome to this month's CartoonStock caption contest by Tim Hamilton!. CartoonStock (June 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuO830euPvI

Bentley, Andrew and Eve Potts. 2014. The New Yorker At Westport [exhibit catalog]. Westport Historical Society.

Siede, Caroline. 2026. The Supergirl movie didn't need Lobo; It's not just annoying when Jason Momoa crashes the super-party, but regressive. AV Club (June 30): https://www.avclub.com/supergirl-lobo-why-sexism

Special Guest Kayla E. This Sunday at Comic Book Club!

SPECIAL GUEST Author/Artist Kayla E. at Comic Book Club THIS Sunday, July 5th at 2:30pm!

Our club's next selection is the graphic novel, "Precious Rubbish" By Kayla E., who will join us via zoom for our meeting ! --> Description from Amazon--> 

"Kayla E.’s Precious Rubbish is an experimental graphic memoir drawn in a style that references the aesthetics of mid-century children’s comics and tells the story of a childhood shaped by maternal emotional dysregulation, rural poverty, and incest. The author’s childhood is portrayed as a collection of short-form comics and gag panels punctuated by interactive elements like paper dolls, satirical advertisements, games, and puzzles.

While the work is concerned with violence and a particularly Texan brand of Pentecostal fanaticism, it is presented in a playful visual language with a deadpan humor that elevates the material beyond mere graphic memoir. "Precious Rubbish" is a landmark work of comics storytelling and graphic medicine."

***Readers are encouraged to obtain the book from whatever source of their choice (but Please support a local bookstore iyc!) 👍 😁 

<---->

Led by artist Olivier Ballou, the club meets bi-monthly at the Dwightmess compound (805 Silver Spring Ave, Silver Spring, MD. Membership is FREE and those NEW-TO-COMICS are encouraged to join!

Gather around comics with us! 

DM our IG account or Email adam@dwightmess.com or adamdwightgriffiths@gmail.com to sign up!

  

Eerily Familiar and America 250 by Daniel Boris

New Kickstarter project by Oliver Mertz and Michael Bracco

 

They’ve just launched The Monuments Volume 2: Let His Death Be A Warning. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 

Help bring their new idea to life Oliver Mertz just launched a new Graphic Novels project.   Back it now $5,000 goal Jul 30, 2026 ending on The Monuments Volume 2: Let His Death Be A Warning 170-page graphic novel about what happens when giant mechs frozen in place for 800 years finally wake up. by Oliver Mertz

Supergirl movie review (exclusive!)

by Doug Wise

Long ago (never you mind how long ago) I stopped listening to movie reviewers. They don’t actually seem to enjoy movies. And they aggressively hate sci-fi and superhero movies. Now the people who watch movies professionally are supplemented by internet dwellers who don’t think women should be in movies - at least not as anything but victims. Copious venom was expected from all directions, and the reviews that I’ve seen have met those expectations. Having seen the movie last night has further confirmed the irrelevance of reviewers and their opinions.

Supergirl ranks among some of the best work to come out of DC. This was her story. She wasn’t playing The Boy Scout’s Shadow (a.k.a. Superman and his cousin). They didn’t fall into the trope of making boys fight boys and girls fight girls. Kara fights men, women, robots, and a crippling sense of loss. She’s not the hero that Superman or Batman would want her to be - she’s her own person and she deals with problems her own way.

The movie shows the depth of loss and the attachment to Krypto the Dog so much better than Marvel did with Steve Rogers and Bucky. Captain America lost his body, his best friend, his time, and his first love. When he found out his best friend was still alive he went on a crusade to find and save him, but his inner pain and his need to save just one piece of his old life was left for our head canon. Supergirl shows everything being taken from her in a series of flashbacks, shows her struggling with life, and how she and her dog love and need each other.

Historically, DC uses the nigh invulnerable powerhouse of Superman as the inspiring force for the other heroes and the people of Earth. But, it’s easy to fight the good fight when you can’t be hurt. Kara’s example to learn from isn’t a god made human, but a young girl with nothing but a sword and a need for revenge. That’s the hero she aspires to be and the people she wants to protect.

With two leading female characters, another film maker would lean into the miniskirts, belly shirts, and the flowing cornsilk hair and her sidekick, an underaged teen model. Not here. These women are dressed for the roles they’re playing. Even when the uniform comes out, this isn’t some cheerleader pinup.

The filmmakers saw a solid story in the comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow and tried not to mess with it. Age of Ultron and Avengers: Civil War took the names of popular comic stories, but nothing else. 

You’ll see shades of Star-Lord and Captain America in there, but no level of borrowing an experienced movie goer can’t see in a million other movies.

I’ve heard the movie was too slow AND had too many fight scenes. No! You don’t get to have both. Neither is particularly true. It doesn’t look like the comic book art? True. It’s more Guardians of the Galaxy than Firefly.

You want complaints? OK.

I didn’t have a well defined theme song stuck in my head as I left the theater. Christopher Reeve left me with John Williams stuff that orchestras will be playing for centuries. Wonder Woman rocked an electric cello that I can jam to any time. They had themes that one could argue were better than the movie. Similarly, the denouement gives the movie a chance to sit and mellow. It’s a mellower happy ending, not an ending where you scream “girl power!” and want to go punch a mugger. Also, I would have added a scene where we see Lobo’s chain hook whipping around in slow motion just to show the audience what they’re seeing.

Looking at the DCEU as a whole, it’s a good move. Superman brought us into a world already populated with heroes. Supergirl takes us into a broader, and well populated, universe. Now Lanterns can sit in Nebraska or take the action to Oa.

So, step away from the soccer games and go support the filmmaking we want to see. Odds are that by the time you get back nobody will have scored, anyway.

Doug Wise is a long-time comics reader and a friend of mine since we worked together at Walter Reed Army Medical Center decades ago. When he was texting me these comments, I asked him to consider revising them to publish here. If you liked this, let us know and I'll nag Doug to do more reviewing.

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/29/2026

Kaplan, Avery. 2026. Ensign’s Log: Christopher Cantwell on IDW’s upcoming Star Trek relaunch. The Beat (June 29): https://www.comicsbeat.com/ensigns-log-christopher-cantwell-on-idws-upcoming-star-trek-relaunch/

Young, Skottie. 2026. Drawing Vs. Writing: A frequently asked question. Stupid Fresh Mess (June 29): https://open.substack.com/pub/skottieyoung/p/drawing-vs-writing

Degg, D. D. 2026. Paul Fell – RIP. Daily Cartoonist (June 29): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2026/06/29/paul-fell-rip/

Peirce, Shawn “Smith”. 2026. What a Ride: Where a pen, some talent, and courage can take you. Paul Fell's Substack The Daily Felltoon (June 28): https://paulfell.substack.com/p/what-a-ride

Gardner, Alan. 2026. Charlie Hebdo Insults Grieving Football Coach. Daily Cartoonist (June 29): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2026/06/29/charlie-hebdo-insults-grieving-football-coach/

Degg, D. D. 2026. The Booth Centennial By George! A first and last celebration. Daily Cartoonist (June 28): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2026/06/28/a-booth-centennial-by-george-a-first-and-last-celebration/

Kelly, John. 2026. ‘This One Actually Has a Bit of Truth in It’: How Kim Deitch makes comics. TCJ (June 29): https://www.tcj.com/this-one-actually-has-a-bit-of-truth-in-it-how-kim-deitch-makes-comics/

Chiarello, Mark. 2026. A Page I Love With Mark Chiarello [Richard Corben]. CAF+ (June 28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eVCsQCy724

Chamberlain, Henry. 2026. Joe Sikoryak - On Comics and Star Trek. Comics Grinder (June 28): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj7bptel6Ug

Carter, Justin. 2026. ‘My Adventures With Superman’ Creators Talk New Kara/Jimmy Super Ship; Brendan Clogher and Jake Wyatt dig into the love life of Kara and Jimmy for the latest season of 'My Adventures With Superman.' io9 (June 28): https://gizmodo.com/my-adventures-with-superman-brendan-clogher-jake-wyatt-interview-supergirl-jimmy-olsen-relationship-2000773634

Barnes, Brooks. 2026. ‘Supergirl’ Falters at the Box Office, Testing DC Studios’ Reboot [In print as: ‘Supergirl’ Lands With a Thud at the Box Office, Despite a Broader Recovery]. New York Times (June 28): https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/28/business/media/supergirl-box-office.html

Jones, Iyana. 2026. Publishing Pride 2026: Maia Kobabe. Publishers Weekly (June 29): https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/100683-publishing-pride-2026-maia-kobabe.html

Kristian. 2026. Chris Ryall Accomplishes the Uncanny With the Publication of John Byrnes’ X-Men Elsewhen!. Part-Time Fanboy Podcast (603; June 25): https://parttimefanboy.com/part-time-fanboy-podcast-ep-603-chris-ryall-accomplishes-the-uncanny-with-the-publication-of-john-byrnes-x-men-elsewhen/, and https://www.parttimefanboy.com/podcasts/part-time-fanboy-5-22-26-john-byrne-x-men-elsewhen-chris-ryall.mp3

Zahed, Ramin. 2026. Luis de la Rosa, ‘Across the Spider-Verse’ Animator, Dies in Annecy Train Incident at 34. Animation Magazine (June 28): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/luis-de-la-rosa-across-the-spider-verse-animator-dies-in-annecy-train-incident-at-34/

Zahed, Ramin. 2026. Toon Veteran J.J. Villard Revisits His Santa Barbara Childhood in Warner Bros. TV’s New ‘Scaredy Cat’ Short. Animation Magazine (June 27): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/toon-veteran-j-j-villard-revisits-his-santa-barbara-childhood-in-warner-bros-tvs-new-scaredy-cat-short/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2026. ‘Fačuk’ Wins Best Animated Short at Palm Springs ShortFest [Croatia/Slovenia]. Animation Magazine (June 28): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/facuk-wins-best-animated-short-at-palm-springs-shortfest/

Zahed, Ramin. 2026. ‘The Violinist,’ ‘Iron Boy’ and ‘Paper Trail’ Take Home Top Prizes at the 2026 Annecy Festival. Animation Magazine (June 27): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/the-violinist-le-corset-and-paper-trail-take-home-top-prizes-at-the-2026-annecy-festival/

Milligan, Mercedes. 2026. Annecy Festival Announces 2026 Special Prize Winners. Animation Magazine (June 26): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/annecy-festival-announces-2026-special-prize-winners/

Gaur, Ryan. 2026. Annecy: ‘Gatto’ Director Enrico Casarosa Takes Us Behind the Scenes of Pixar’s 2027 Kitty Criminal Movie. Animation Magazine (June 26): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/annecy-gatto-director-enrico-casarosa-takes-us-behind-the-scenes-of-pixars-2027-kitty-criminal-movie/

Unknown. 2026. Wildwood: Where the woods awaken (official featurette). LAIKA Studios (June 26): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZy36NLObaU

Klimek, Chris. 2026. Toy Story 5: You’ve got a friend in these; Pixar’s storied “Toy” franchise marches into its fourth decade with the introduction of tech, tablets, and more abandoned dolls. Washington City Paper (June 18): https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/787697/toy-story-5-youve-got-a-friend-in-these/

Bonk, Valerie. 2026. Northern Virginia native was in ‘disbelief’ after being picked to voice Mrs. Potato Head in ‘Toy Story 5’. WTOP (June 28): https://wtop.com/movies/2026/06/northern-virginia-native-was-in-disbelief-after-being-picked-to-voice-mrs-potato-head-in-toy-story-5/

McConnell, Robin. 2026. Tillie Walden. Inkstuds’s Substack (June 29): https://inkstuds.substack.com/p/tillie-walden

Dave. 2026. Geof Darrow Brings Kung-Fu Fight to AI ! [Shaolin Cowboy: Stayin' A.I.Live]. Direct Edition (June 29): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27i4Jc17rjs

Harper, David. 2026. Omar Valdivieso on the story behind Near Mint Condition and the world of comic collections. SKTCHD's Off Panel (June 29): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YltwAhoIMU4

WCP and WTOP on Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5: You’ve Got a Friend in These

Pixar’s storied “Toy” franchise marches into its fourth decade with the introduction of tech, tablets, and more abandoned dolls.

  by Chris Klimek June 18th, 2026

https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/787697/toy-story-5-youve-got-a-friend-in-these/ 

Northern Virginia native was in ‘disbelief’ after being picked to voice Mrs. Potato Head in ‘Toy Story 5’

Valerie Bonk 

June 28, 2026 https://wtop.com/movies/2026/06/northern-virginia-native-was-in-disbelief-after-being-picked-to-voice-mrs-potato-head-in-toy-story-5/

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 6/27-28/2026

Unknown. 2025. The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye exhibition to mark 10 years of iconic graphic novel. Online Citizen (November 28): https://www.theonlinecitizen.com/2025/11/28/the-art-of-charlie-chan-hock-chye-exhibition-to-mark-10-years-of-iconic-graphic-novel

Unknown. 2025. The Gland Factory [Clayton Hanmer; New Zealand]. [Wellington, NZ] Times (November 27): https://wellingtontimes.ca/the-gland-factory/

Klissmman, Daniel. 2025. Danny Seagren, First Ever Live-Action Spider-Man, Has Passed Away [Electric Company]. Comic Book Movie (November 28): https://comicbookmovie.com/spider_man/danny-seagren-first-ever-live-action-spider-man-has-passed-away-a225185

Zeballos-Roig, Joseph. 2025. What a 6-year-old girl taught me about capitalism. Sometimes children are better at telling it like it is than the adults in the room — even a fictional girl from Argentina [Mafalda]. Quartz (November 28): https://qz.com/mafalda-argentina-us-capitalism

Unknown. 1927. ["’The Story of Thomas Jefferson’ in picture strip form is being offered by King Features…"]. Editor and Publisher 60 (8; July 16): 57. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-16_60_8/page/56/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. [John T. McCutcheon, cartoonist of the Chicago Tribune, accompanied vice-president Charles G. Dawes and friends on a fishing trip to Cimarron, N.M.]. Editor and Publisher 60 (8; July 16): 57. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-16_60_8/page/56/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. [Dorman H. Smith, formerly a cartoonist for NEA, is now with the New York American]. Editor and Publisher 60 (7; July 9): 38. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-09_60_7/page/38/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. ["Rube Goldberg celebrated his 44th birthday in Paris with a party on July 4"]. Editor and Publisher 60 (7; July 9): 38. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-09_60_7/page/38/mode/2up
 
Unknown. 1927. ["Two new single column comics are being offered by the Ledger Syndicate… They run under the titles of ‘Otto's Auto’ and ‘Omar Jr.’]. Editor and Publisher 60 (8; July 16): 48. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-16_60_8/page/56/mode/2up

Unknown. 1927. ["’Harold Teen,’ comic strip drawn by Carl Ed for the Chicago Tribune Newspapers Syndicate, is about to be filmed with Marilyn Miller as ‘Lillums’ and Ben Lyon as ‘Harold’']. Editor and Publisher 60 (8; July 16): 57. Online at https://archive.org/details/sim_editor-publisher_1927-07-16_60_8/page/56/mode/2up

Dean, Tyler. 2026. The Black Cauldron: The dark fantasy Disney tried to bury; Intrepid young adventurers, a bard, some witches, and a bit of necromancy — how did this adaptation go so wrong? Reactor (June 23): https://reactormag.com/the-black-cauldron-the-dark-fantasy-disney-tried-to-bury/

Richards, Dave. 2026. New Buffy and Angel Stories Are Coming to Comic Book Pages This Summer; Kelly Thompson gives us a closer look at the return of our favorite vampire slayer. Fangoria (June 26): https://www.fangoria.com/new-buffy-and-angel-stories-are-coming-to-comic-book-pages-this-summer/

Unknown. 2026. Kelly Thompson Teases Buffyverse Is Back & Better Than Ever. Blerd Without Fear! (June 24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt80H5iolqs

Siuntres, John. 2026. Good Trouble Comics With Barajas Ayden and Sankovitch. Word Balloon (June 27): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aejlnxEPbY

Sloane, Leonard. 1965. Shazam! Vintage Comics Prices Up, Up and Away; Collectors spur old-comics boom. New York Times (January 30): 31, 37. Online at https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/30/archives/shazam-vintage-comics-prices-up-up-and-away-collectors-spur.html

Kennedy, Mark. 2026. Charlie Brown’s longtime pen pal is finally revealed; Charlie Brown began writing to a pen pal not long after the comic strip “Peanuts” debuted in newspapers back in 1950 [Snoopy Unleashed]. Independent (June 24): https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/charlie-brown-characters-snoopy-b3002452.html

Keefe, Jim. 2026. ICE Out Comics Exhibit [in Germany]. Patreon (June 28): https://www.patreon.com/JimKeefe/posts/ice-out-comics-162226329

Klimek, Chris. 2026. Supergirl: What’s whimsical on the page becomes familiar on-screen; The latest in the DC Comics universe is a very faithful adaptation of a very good comic book. So why is it not very good? Washington City Paper (June 26): https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/787972/supergirl-whats-whimsical-on-the-page-becomes-familiar-on-screen/

Walsh, Katie / Tribune News Service. Alcock brings punk aesthetic to heroine [Supergirl]. Washington Post (June 26): Weekend 18-19

Alverson, Brigid and Heidi MacDonald. 2026. Four Women in a Hotel Room: ALA 2026. The Beat (June 29): https://www.patreon.com/comicsbeat/posts/four-women-in-162311002

Gaur, Ryan. 2026. Annecy: ‘Common Side Effects’ Showrunners Joe Bennett and Steve Hely Give Us the Scoop on Season 2 of the Adult Swim Hit. Animation Magazine (June 25): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/annecy-showrunners-joe-bennett-and-steve-hely-give-us-the-scoop-on-adult-swims-common-side-effects-season-2/

Doran, Colleen. 2026. Graphic Novel Royalties. Ageless and Evergreen. Colleen Doran's Funny Business (June 28): https://colleendoran.substack.com/p/graphic-novel-royalties

Unknown. 2026. Child Actor AI Voice Outcry Drags ‘Peppa Pig’ into the Mud. Animation Magazine (June 25): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/child-actor-ai-voice-outcry-drags-peppa-pig-into-the-mud/

Harper, David. 2026. In Flux With Matt Kindt. SKTCHD's Off Panel (557; June 22): https://sktchd.com/podcast/off-panel-557-in-flux-with-matt-kindt/ and https://traffic.libsyn.com/sktchd/Matt_Kindt_2026.mp3

Zahed, Ramin. 2026. Exclusive: How ‘Ray Gunn’ Director Brad Bird Blended the Past and the Future in His Much-Anticipated Netflix Noir. Animation Magazine (June 25): https://www.animationmagazine.net/2026/06/exclusive-how-director-brad-bird-blended-the-past-and-the-future-in-his-much-anticipated-netflix-noir-ray-gunn/

Lipman, Steve. 2026. A comic strip that takes a serious look at the Orthodox community [The Kichels]. Times of Israel (June 26): https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/a-comic-strip-that-takes-a-serious-look-at-the-orthodox-community/

Chiu-Tabet, Christopher. 2026. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Heading to the Stage. The Beat (June 25): https://www.comicsbeat.com/tmnt-live-on-stage/

Priorities and Normalizing Criminal Behavior by Daniel Boris

WCP reviews Supergirl

Supergirl: What’s Whimsical on the Page Becomes Familiar On-Screen

The latest in the DC Comics universe is a very faithful adaptation of a very good comic book. So why is it not very good?

 by Chris Klimek June 26th, 2026  https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/787972/supergirl-whats-whimsical-on-the-page-becomes-familiar-on-screen/ 

Green Archer Comics's adaption of 'The Saint' Kickstarter open for 1 more day

Whoops, I almost missed sharing this one but there's still time.

The Saint Meets the Tiger - Simon Templar Returns!

The modern day Robin Hood returns in a 56-page comic. Based on the Leslie Charteris novel and featuring a cover from legend Mike Grell!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/greenarchercomics/the-saint-meets-the-tiger

In 1928 Leslie Charteris introduced the world to Simon Templar, The Saint. He created a passionate fandom that has lasted 95+ years and inspired so many other heroes that fell into the mould of this "Modern Day Robin Hood!" 

At Green Archer Comics, we are carrying on the tradition of that legend with a comic based on that first book, now in the public domain. The Saint is the quintessential hero, just as comfortable using his brains as his fists (and, of course, his throwing knives --  Anna and Belle). The Saint Meets the Tiger is a rip roaring adventure in the best possible way. There is mystery, intrigue, romance, lots of fighting and, because it is Leslie Charteris, some incredible one-liners. 

We are really excited to bring this comic to you. Of course, we didn't stop there. Just we did with our Green Archer Campaign, we commissioned a book cover from Clifford Cumber and are printing a pocket paper of the book as well! You can add to your collection of classic pulp literature in reasonably priced pocket paperback form! And, we even tracked down 35 copies of The Saint Meets the Tiger movie that Leslie Charteris absolutely loved so you can read the comic, the book and watch the movie all in one sitting!

The Cover

This is a big story, so we wanted to go big with the cover. And we did. Mike Grell did the ONE AND ONLY COVER for this campaign. That's right, Mike Freaking Grell created a cover for us and it is BEAUTIFUL! We love this cover so much that we created two versions of it. The regular and the deluxe for serious collectors. Oh, and Mike is going to sign 10 of them (you want to jump on that reward tier because it is going to go fast). 

That's it, we did just that cover (and a sketch cover for artists who want to draw their own version of The Saint). 

A 95+ year old legend deserves a legendary comic creator! 

Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "There's No 'P' In Our Ool"

 

"There's No 'P' In Our Ool"
https://sinkers.org/stage/?p=4279

When I first peeped that aerial shot on Reuters, it wouldn't leave my
mind.

On the one hand, it's another bucket of your garden-variety shallow-ass
Liberal pearl-clutching at seeing the Evil Orange Man giving the job of
restoring the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to a company which
contributed heavily to his campaign and which promptly turned the
project into a National Lampoon movie.

On the other hand, though – the part that wouldn't leave me after seeing
that Reuters foto – on a much deeper level than simply Trump doing his
usual nouveau-riche alcoholic country-club vulgarian shit, it was much
more symbolic of an empire in rapid decline, possibly even already at
the point where the Emperor is appointing his horse to the Senate. It
doesn't so much say something about Trump specifically as it does about
American society, culture and institutions in general.

-------------

"Democratic condemnation of Trump’s Iran deal exposes bipartisan
conspiracy for war", Andre Damon at the WSWS, 06.18.2026
https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2026/06/19/yaok-j19.html

"The best Iran war meltdowns", Owen Jones at Substack, 06.21.2026
https://www.owenjones.news/p/the-best-iran-war-meltdowns

"Who Received the $6.9 Million Contract to Renovate the Reflecting Pool
and What Are Their Ties to President Trump?" researched by Factually,
05.10.2026
https://factually.co/fact-checks/politics/who-received-6-9m-reflecting-pool-renovation-contract-ties-to-trump-83908a

"Who owns Greenwater Services? Company responsible for purifying Lincoln
Memorial Reflecting Pool for a $1.7M belongs to a Trump donor" Anuj
Basak at Primetimer 06.19.2026
https://www.primetimer.com/news/who-owns-greenwater-services-company-responsible-for-purifying-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-for-a-1-7m-belongs-to-a-trump-donor

__________________________________________________________
Mike Flugennock, flugennock at sinkers dot org
Political Cartoons: dubya dubya dubya dot sinkers dot org