Monday, November 30, 2009
'Improved' Express cuts most comics UPDATED
The Washington Post's free Express paper was improved over the holiday and that means they cut 3 of the 5 comic strips they ran. Out are Bizarro by Dan Piraro, Cornered by Mike Baldwin, and The Duplex by Glenn McCoy. Remaining are Pearls Before Swine (which also appears in the Post) and Pooch Cafe, now in color.
Should you wish to question this improvement, you can write to inbox@readexpress.com
I will be doing so in a few minutes.
UPDATE: The editor wrote back to me to say, "We might feature fewer comics in our print edition now, but we've added an expanded comics section in an easy-access, newspaper-style format at our Web site, ExpressNightOut.com. You'll find Bizarro, Cornered and The Duplex there every day - plus a slew of new comics to make a visit worth your time. Those include Lio, Non Sequitur, The Argyle Sweater, Bound and Gagged, Candorville, Cul de Sac and the New Adventures of Queen Victoria. You can find them here: http://www.expressnightout.com/comics."
While I obviously don't agree with him, I appreciate the fact that he took the time to respond. I've just sent him a response which includes, "We'll have to agree to disagree though because if it's a commuting newspaper, then putting the comics online doesn't really help anyone except those with overly-smart phones. Besides the Post does that already. In the end, I just don't see providing less of something as a way to bring in more readers."
Should you wish to question this improvement, you can write to inbox@readexpress.com
I will be doing so in a few minutes.
UPDATE: The editor wrote back to me to say, "We might feature fewer comics in our print edition now, but we've added an expanded comics section in an easy-access, newspaper-style format at our Web site, ExpressNightOut.com. You'll find Bizarro, Cornered and The Duplex there every day - plus a slew of new comics to make a visit worth your time. Those include Lio, Non Sequitur, The Argyle Sweater, Bound and Gagged, Candorville, Cul de Sac and the New Adventures of Queen Victoria. You can find them here: http://www.expressnightout.com/comics."
While I obviously don't agree with him, I appreciate the fact that he took the time to respond. I've just sent him a response which includes, "We'll have to agree to disagree though because if it's a commuting newspaper, then putting the comics online doesn't really help anyone except those with overly-smart phones. Besides the Post does that already. In the end, I just don't see providing less of something as a way to bring in more readers."
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Dec 6: Will Eisner Film
WILL EISNER: PORTRAIT OF A SEQUENTIAL ARTIST
Sunday, December 6, 12:15 pm
AFI Silver Theatre
Will Eisner started working in comics in the1930s, just as they were moving from reprints of newspaper strips to tabloids featuring original material, and Eisner had some of the most original creations of all. He combined elements of art, literature and film that eventually led to a successful career in what he called "sequential art," the forerunner of today's graphic novels. Starting in 1939, his gritty crime fighter series The Spirit incorporated "film noir" as well as elements of the Jewish experience and the fight against anti-semitism. Featuring interviews with Michael Chabon, Art Spiegelman, Jules Feiffer and others, this visually imaginative documentary captures Eisner's groundbreaking genius. USA, 2007, video, documentary, 96 minutes, Director: Andrew D. Cooke
SPECIAL GUEST Andrew Cooke, Director
For tickets and information about other WJFF films please visit WJFF.org
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SL (Shannon) Gallant, comic book artist, now in DC
SL (Shannon) Gallant has written in to introduce himself, and look for fellow artists. I've got to say that I've never bought GI Joe in my life (although I liked the small comics they used to package in their toy sets in the 1960s), but now I'll be picking it up
I'm a comic artist-illustrator living in DC and currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe. I've also worked for DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, and Titan UK in the past on titles ranging from Marvel Adventures:The Avengers and Torchwood to more cartoon oriented work such as Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens.
The last few months I've been making the effort to create connections with other artists in the area, through DC Conspiracy and other groups. I was hoping you might know similar professionals in the region I should try to get in touch with who are less likely to participate in such outings?
So if you're a comic book professional in the area, feel free to post below. Send me news of your current and upcoming projects and I'll promote them as well. I know my co-author Randy's compiled a list of local people at one point - does he still have that?
I'm a comic artist-illustrator living in DC and currently working for IDW on G.I. Joe. I've also worked for DC, Dark Horse, Marvel, and Titan UK in the past on titles ranging from Marvel Adventures:The Avengers and Torchwood to more cartoon oriented work such as Shrek and Monsters vs Aliens.
The last few months I've been making the effort to create connections with other artists in the area, through DC Conspiracy and other groups. I was hoping you might know similar professionals in the region I should try to get in touch with who are less likely to participate in such outings?
So if you're a comic book professional in the area, feel free to post below. Send me news of your current and upcoming projects and I'll promote them as well. I know my co-author Randy's compiled a list of local people at one point - does he still have that?
Fantastic Mr. Fox feature in Post
With Clooney in henhouse, Anderson has something to crow about
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 29, 2009
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Zadzooks interviews Dark Horse's Scott Allie and reviews Plastic Man
Zadzooks: Scott Allie interview, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 26, 2009
Zadzooks: Plastic Man: The Complete Collection, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Complete Season One, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 19, 2009
Zadzooks: Plastic Man: The Complete Collection, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Complete Season One, Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times November 19, 2009
Mark Wheatley interview on Baker's Dozen
Bill Baker has an interview at Looking Back to See the Future: Mark Wheatley on IDW’s Mark Wheatley Library (part one of two), BAKER'S DOZEN for 11/25/2009.
Check out his books too - he's got interviews with Alan Moore and others. I bought a complete set recently.
Check out his books too - he's got interviews with Alan Moore and others. I bought a complete set recently.
The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit CLOSING TODAY
I just got back from seeing The Real Story of the Superheroes photo exhibit and I'd recommend you rush into the Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery on U St, NW at 16th St. and check it out. Photographer Dulce Pinzon clothed Mexicans working in New York City in Halloween superhero costumes loosely related to their jobs, and photographed them doing that work. 13 large images are displayed. It's a clever conceit and worth seeing. It's open until 3 pm today, the last day of the show.
Quick Reviews for Comics Due Thursday (NOT WEDNESDAY) 12-03-09
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE THURSDAY (not Wednesday) 12-03-09
By John Judy
BLACKEST NIGHT: THE FLASH #1 of 3 by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins. Barry and Wally have to duke it out with zombie rogues. This one sells itself! Recommended.
BLACKEST NIGHT: WONDER WOMAN #1 of 3 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott. WW vs. Zombie Maxwell Lord, the guy whose head she nearly twisted off during that hideous OMAC storyline. So let's twist again like we did last Summer!
THE BOYS #37 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. The origin of The Frenchman! Sacre bleau! Not for kids! Recommended.
DARK AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 by Brian Michael Bendis and Chris Bachalo. Captain Marvel Boy wants out! But every time he tries to get out Norman Osborn pulls him back in! Plus, more Sentry craziness!
EMPOWERED SPECIAL written and drawn by Adam Warren. "The Wench with a Million Sighs!" The tribulations of a super-heroine as related by a captured demon-lord on her coffee table. Features swearing, sighing and lots of zappage. Recommended.
EX MACHINA DELUXE EDITION, VOL. 2 HC by Brian K. Vaughan, Tony Harris and Others. Collecting issues 12-20 plus the two-issue Special, this makes a nice gift for the Super-Hero/Political Thriller fan on your list. And you. Recommended.
FALL OF THE HULKS ALPHA #1 by Jeff Parker and Paul Pelletier. Doctor Doom and some other clowns who think they're on his level team up to bring down the Hulk family. About time! "Hulk! There can be only one!" Gotta look!
JSA ALL-STARS #1 by Matthew Sturges and Freddie Williams II. The first issue of the new monthly spin-off title! Featuring a more militant JSA so look for lots of punching, hitting and zapping. No old people or brainiacs need apply. Gotta look.
MARVELS PROJECT #4 of 8 by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting. Project Rebirth is on! Steve Rogers hits the juice and the world of star-spangled super-heroes will never be the same! Highly recommended.
POPEYE, VOL. 4: PLUNDER ISLAND HC by E.C. Segar. A complete eight-month run of Sunday color comics featuring Popeye's epic battle with the Sea Hag and the Goon! Plus dailies and a whole lot more! Thank-you once again, Fantagraphics! Highly recommended.
SCALPED #33 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Red Crow's leg-breakers vs. tattooed Hmong gangsters with FBI Special Agent Dash Bad Horse caught in the middle. If you wonder where all the Awesome went this month, it's here. Not for kids. Highly recommended.
SIEGE: THE CABAL ONE-SHOT by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Lark. Norman Osborn takes on Doctor Doom. There's a reason this is a one-shot, folks. Recommended.
STRANGE #2 of 4 by Mark Waid and Emma Rios. A young woman saved by Dr. Strange becomes obsessed with learning everything she can about the Master of the Mystic Arts. Maybe she can even figure out how he got replaced in the Magic Pecking Order by Brother Voodoo. (I mean, come on!) Anyway, this is really a good take on the Doctor by Waid and Rios. Recommended.
SUPERGOD #2 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Garrie Gastony. What a superhuman arms race would look like before everybody died screaming. Yeah, that's it really. Cheaper and better-written than 2012.
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #10 of 12 by Greg Rucka, James Robinson and Pete Woods. There's been a murder on New Krypton, which is really quite a feat if you think about it. Now it's up to Supes and Adam Strange to track down the culprit. With General Zod looking over their shoulders. No pressure…
THOR #604 by Kieron Gillen and Billy Tan. Y'know, if you're the new creative team following Straczynski and Coipel on THOR, you could do a lot worse than having the Thunder God beat the sweet, living bejeezus out of Doctor Doom. Well played, gentlemen. Recommended.
TORCH #4 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter. So the original Human Torch is doing better now that the no-longer-dead Toro has freed him from the Mad Thinker's control. But boy, coming back from the dead just to get mind-controlled into char-broiling some random shmucks? It throws off your game, y'know?
UNCANNY X-MEN #518 by Matt Fraction and Terry & Rachel Dodson. Cyclops journeys into Emma Frost's mind to purge the evil influence of The Void. Because he's too cheap to buy flowers! Recommended anyway.
Mauldin biography wins history prize
I helped out a miniscule amount on the collection of cartoons, and ComicsDC contributor Warren Bernard helped out more so we'll call this ComicsDC news - Todd DePastino Wins 2009 Sperber Prize for his Biography of World War II Cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) November 27, 2009. Both books are well worth reading.
Tonight: Kal onstage in Baltimore (repost)
In a special collaboration, The Baltimore Improv Group and Kal will team up for a fun Thanksgiving weekend spectacular on Saturday, November 28, 8PM at Baltimore's Creative Alliance. For more info visit BIG's webpage:
Best
Kal
Friday, November 27, 2009
ComicsAZ, part 2 - The Flintstones
Did you know the Flintstones were based in Arizona? Neither did I, until we passed this Flintstones Campground on the way to the Grand Canyon.
I would have loved this as a kid. Actually it was kind of appealing as an adult too, but not after four hours touring the Canyon.
I'm thinking the Buffalo Lodge was the reason for all the pickup trucks...
...but maybe they were buying film.
Rock Vegas or Bust, baby!
A few more pictures are on my Flickr site.
Express on Johnny Cash graphic biography
Darkness Rising: Reinhard Kleist's Graphic-Novel, 'Johnny Cash: I See a Darkness'
Stephen M. Deusner
Express November 24, 2009
Stephen M. Deusner
Express November 24, 2009
Wes Anderson on Fantastic Mr. Fox in Onion
Wes Anderson's been interviewed all over the place for his new animated movie The Fantastic Mr. Fox, and one appears in the print Onion as well as a longer version online.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
U of Maryland prof on atomic bomb manga
See "Writing Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the 21st Century: A New Generation of Historical Manga," by Michele Mason, Asia Pacific Journal: Japan Focus (November 23 2009).
I haven't read the article yet, but anyone who hasn't read Barefoot Gen,the older manga that is not the subject of the article, should make the attempt now. There's a new 8-volume set out in English now.
I haven't read the article yet, but anyone who hasn't read Barefoot Gen,the older manga that is not the subject of the article, should make the attempt now. There's a new 8-volume set out in English now.
That darn Herblock!
Herblock was a liberal?! Shocking!!
Library of Congress Spins Lefty Cartoonist Herblock as an 'Independent Spirit'
By Scott Whitlock
Newsbusters November 23, 2009
Library of Congress Spins Lefty Cartoonist Herblock as an 'Independent Spirit'
By Scott Whitlock
Newsbusters November 23, 2009
Dirda on Herge
The unheroic genius behind the adventures of Tintin
By Michael Dirda
Washington Post November 26, 2009
By Michael Dirda
Washington Post November 26, 2009
That darn Beeler!
The Thanksgiving (Nov 26) issue of the Washington Examiner has a letter from Sarita Chapman entitled 'Cartoons lampooning Obama are not funny' in which she says "I am beginning to feel that this ['caricature making fun of President Obama'] is racially motivated."
I know the cartoonist Nate Beeler, and I don't think that's true, although I think he's a bit hard on Obama. On the other hand, that is the job of a political cartoonist, isn't it?
I know the cartoonist Nate Beeler, and I don't think that's true, although I think he's a bit hard on Obama. On the other hand, that is the job of a political cartoonist, isn't it?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mark Wheatley featured in Scoop
...in which he talks about why he collects - ORIGIN ISSUE: Mark Wheatley
Scoop November 25 2009
Scoop November 25 2009
Call for a cartoon illustrator in DC area
Mike Licht passed this on, with the caveat at the beginning which applies to me as well (I also didn't know there was a DC bloggers meetup, so you can't trust me).
| I have no idea about the terms here, but thought I would pass it on: I know Leon from DC Bloggers Meetup. He writes a humor blog and has been doing standup comedy. Don't know the other guys. NotionsCapital.com Commentary on news events and culture from Washington, DC |
Weldon's Thanksgiving graphic novel recommendations
Five MORE Tomes With Which to Tough Out Your Turkey Coma by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog November 25, 2009
Fantastic Mr. Fox reviews
Outfoxed Viggo Mortensen outwits cannibals, grimaces; Mr. Fox steals chickens, has a lot more fun.
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper November 25, 2009
'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' a little less-than-fantastic adaptation
By Sally Kline
Washington Examiner Movie Critic
November 25, 2009
'Road' a diverging spectacle; 'Fox' a sure-footed charmer
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
By Tricia Olszewski
Washington City Paper November 25, 2009
'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' a little less-than-fantastic adaptation
By Sally Kline
Washington Examiner Movie Critic
November 25, 2009
'Road' a diverging spectacle; 'Fox' a sure-footed charmer
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Rob Ullman covers City Paper again
Rob Ullman has the cover of this week's City Paper - a bit of a change as he's doing cute gay guys rather than cute girls.
Politics and Prose and Jimmy Corrigan on Nov 30
There's no graphic novel book group meeting tonight - instead Ware's Jimmy Corrigan will be discussed on Nov. 30th.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
1/30: Darwyn Cooke at National Portrait Gallery
Darwyn Cooke will discuss his graphic novel The Hunter, based on 1962 crime classic by Donald Westlake (under pseudonym Richard Stark). January 30. 4pm. Free.
Tip from Bruce Guthrie
Tip from Bruce Guthrie
Nov 28: Kal to Perform with Baltimore Improv Group
In a special collaboration, The Baltimore Improv Group and Kal will team up for a fun Thanksgiving weekend spectacular on Saturday, November 28, 8PM at Baltimore's Creative Alliance. For more info visit BIG's webpage:
Best
Kal
Fantastic Mr. Fox interview on Comic Riffs
The 'Riffs Interview: WES ANDERSON introduces his fantastic 'Mr. Fox'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Friends of ComicsDC badge
Because no one demanded it!
The official Friends of ComicsDC badge can now be ordered -- or be awarded for meritorious service (you'll have to take your chance on that though).
That artwork by David Hagen is certainly getting a workout. You can buy his stuff on Zazzle too.
ComicsAZ part 1
Last week, ComicsDC visited Arizona, and I'll put on my ComicsAZ guise for a few posts this week.
The above photograph refers to Krazy Kat's home in Coconino County of course. We didn't spot the Kat even though we drove through the county several times.
This cartoon by Bil Keane hangs in my cousin's house. He came in for something when she was running a print shop and did this drawing for her two children. She says she currently has a retired Disney animator for a neighbor - I'll try to get more details.
Weldon on Gaiman's Sandman
As I continue to catch up...
The Inevitable Post About Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman' by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog November 18, 2009
The Inevitable Post About Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman' by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog November 18, 2009
Post-Thanksgiving comics sales in the area UPDATED
Beyond Comics:
Thanksgiving SALE!
Friday November 27th to Sunday November 30th
25% Off Comics & Graphic Novels*
10% Off Everything Else*
Up to 75% Off Select Store Items
(Visit individual stores for sale items)
T-shirts 30 % OFF
Friday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
* Certain exclusions apply including recent arrivals. Not combinable with any other discount.
May not be used on subscriptions, special orders, or held items.
Cards, Comics & Collectibles (Reistertown, MD - 410-526-2321)
Friday-Sunday
New Comics 20% off
Graphic novels and collections 50% off
Modern back issues 70% off
Vintage comics 30% off
Toys and statues 50% off
Fantom Comics
Black(est) Friday... 25% Off EVERYTHING
Yeah, that's right, it's a Blackest Night week. But its Dark Reign stops here. We Siege control from this runaway Goblin by offering the deal of the year. On November 27th from 5:00 am until 9:59 am at our Pentagon City Mall location only, we are offering 25% off EVERYTHING! The perfect time to pick up multiple volumes of a series or upgrade your favorite graphic novel to the Absolute edition!
33% Off Back Issues All Week
Starting Monday November 23rd and ending Sunday November 29th, all back issues are 33% off. We recently cleaned out old subscriber folders, which has supplied new titles to our back issue section. Come early and often to get the series you may have missed, want to get caught up on, or want to start. This sale is limited to comic books within the white back issue boxes.
Thanksgiving SALE!
Friday November 27th to Sunday November 30th
25% Off Comics & Graphic Novels*
10% Off Everything Else*
Up to 75% Off Select Store Items
(Visit individual stores for sale items)
T-shirts 30 % OFF
Friday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am to 9:30 pm
Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
* Certain exclusions apply including recent arrivals. Not combinable with any other discount.
May not be used on subscriptions, special orders, or held items.
Cards, Comics & Collectibles (Reistertown, MD - 410-526-2321)
Friday-Sunday
New Comics 20% off
Graphic novels and collections 50% off
Modern back issues 70% off
Vintage comics 30% off
Toys and statues 50% off
Fantom Comics
Black(est) Friday... 25% Off EVERYTHING
Yeah, that's right, it's a Blackest Night week. But its Dark Reign stops here. We Siege control from this runaway Goblin by offering the deal of the year. On November 27th from 5:00 am until 9:59 am at our Pentagon City Mall location only, we are offering 25% off EVERYTHING! The perfect time to pick up multiple volumes of a series or upgrade your favorite graphic novel to the Absolute edition!
33% Off Back Issues All Week
Starting Monday November 23rd and ending Sunday November 29th, all back issues are 33% off. We recently cleaned out old subscriber folders, which has supplied new titles to our back issue section. Come early and often to get the series you may have missed, want to get caught up on, or want to start. This sale is limited to comic books within the white back issue boxes.
Coloring Cul de Sac Contest
Richard Thompson and Comic Riffs are sponsoring a color-your-own Cul de Sac contest.
Also Richard's telephone interview by Tom Racine, postponed from San Diego until recently is online.
Also Richard's telephone interview by Tom Racine, postponed from San Diego until recently is online.
Brad Meltzer writes Buffy
Former local writer Brad Meltzer is writing the Buffy comic book - Brad Meltzer Leaps Into the Buffyverse, by Jeffrey Renaud, Staff Writer, November 18th, 2009.
Freer's Tezuka fest report
Ed Sizemore was at the Freer's Tezuka weekend festival even though I couldn't make it (although a friend from work picked up Fred Schodt's book and had it signed for me).
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Quick Reviews for Comics Due 11-25-09
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 11-25-09
By John Judy
And this week we are thankful for…
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #613 by Mark Waid and Paul Azaceta. OK, I gotta admit Waid has completely won me over with Electro taking on the Wall Street thieves. Let's get Electro his own monthly title, stat! Recommended.
ARCHIE #603 by Michael Uslan and Stan Goldberg. In which we find out what would have happened if Archie had married Betty as God intended. Veronica who?
BLACKEST NIGHT #5 of 8 by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis. Finally the Big Bad behind the Black Lanterns is revealed! It's Nekron! You remember him! C'mon, at least it wasn't Darkseid again. Recommended.
THE BOYS, VOL. 5: HEROGASM SC by Garth Ennis and John McCrea. In which we learn what the supes do to blow off steam. Absolutely not for kids.
CHEW #6 by John Layman and Rob Guillory. Presenting the further adventures of Comicdom's first cannibal clairvoyant, the FDA's own Agent Tony Chu! This time up it's international cuisine! Recommended.
CHEW, VOL.1 SC by John Layman and Rob Guillory. Collecting issues 1-5 of this twisted, amazing series about a man who gains psychic impressions from everything he eats. Recommended.
CRIMINAL: SINNERS #2 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Tracy Lawless has his assignment: Find the person who's whacking mobsters and try not to get whacked himself. Just another tricky day… Highly recommended.
DETECTIVE COMICS #859 by Greg Rucka, JH Williams III and Cully Hamner. The origin of Batwoman continues while the Question hooks up with the Huntress! This book! Ya gotta love this book!
GOON #33 written and drawn by Eric Powell. "Poop potato!" Highly recommended.
GREEN LANTERN #48 by Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke. The War of Light keeps blazing away. Talk about colors clashing! Recommended.
HULK #17 by Jeph Loeb and Ian Churchill. Red Hulk smash! And repeat…
IMAGE UNITED #1 of 6 by Robert Kirkman and the Image Boys. The founders of Image Comics all draw their characters teaming up to fight a Bad Thing. Featuring six variant covers to remind you of the good old days that made Image the most beloved company of fans and retailers alike.
IMMORTAL WEAPONS #5 of 5 by Dave Lapham and Arturo Lozzi. He's the guy even the other Immortal Weapons fear and revere. He's John Aman, the Prince of Orphans, the Green Mist of Death, the Amazing-Man. But what's his real story?
INCOGNITO SC by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Collecting the mini-series that asked "What would it be like if Mr. Incredible was a bad guy?"
INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #20 by Matt Fraction and Salvador Larocca. Tony Stark is virtually brain-dead and not just from a wild night on the town. Can even his old pal Thor pull him out of this one?
JUSTICE LEAGUE CRY FOR JUSTICE #5 of 7 by James Robinson and Mauro Cascioli. Prometheus gets his due but not in time to save one of the team.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #39 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley. Black Lantern Doctor Light is back from the grave and not liking any of this.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #33 by Bill Willingham, Matthew Sturges and Jesus Merino. There's a traitor in the JSA! Family meeting!
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: DEATHLOK VOL.1 HC by Doug Moench, Bill Mantlo and Rich Buckler. Collecting the seventies adventures and origin of Marvel's first, great killer cyborg from the future, Deathlok the Demolisher. Steve Austin he was not.
NEW AVENGERS #59 by Brian Michael Bendis and Stuart Immonen. Spider-Woman and Spider-Man share an adventure. Because you can never get too much Spider-Woman in a given month. Watch your back, Wolverine.
NORTHLANDERS #22 by Brian Wood and Leandro Fernandez. Hilda the plague widow must find a way to survive in a Viking community that has taken drastic steps to survive the disease ravaging their village. And you thought waiting in line for swine flu vaccine was tough!
PREVIEWS by Marvel and Diamond Comics. See what 2010 has in store comics-wise!
SAGA OF THE SWAMP THING, VOL. 2 HC by Alan Moore and Various Artists. Collecting issues 28-34, plus the second annual of the book that introduced Alan Moore to America. Too bad it didn't work out. Highly recommended.
SHADE THE CHANGING MAN, VOL. 2: EDGE OF VISION SC by Peter Milligan and Various Artists. Collecting issues 7-13 of this mind-bending eighties series about a man who falls to Earth and into the body of an executed serial killer who doesn't want to stay dead. Recommended.
SUPERMAN #694 by James Robinson and Javier Pina. Mon-El's back and Bizarro's getting' smacked! Bam!
SUPERMAN: SECRET ORIGIN #3 of 6 by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank. Mr. Kent goes to Metropolis. Recommended.
THOR GIANT SIZE FINALE by J. Michael Straczynski and Marko Djurdjevic. Earthbound gods, Oklahomans, and Doctor Doom all come crashing together for this epic finale to JMS's revival of Marvel's classic character. Gotta look!
ULTIMATE COMICS AVENGERS #4 by Mark Millar and Carlos Pacheco. Everybody fights, ultimate-style! May contain words.
UNCANNY X-MEN #517 by Matt Fraction and Greg Land. Magneto's back so you know there's gonna be a dust-up!
WONDER WOMAN #33 by Gail Simone and Aaron Lopresti. Wonder Woman in prison! I'll be in my bunk….
And finally the set is complete! Green and Red Lantern power rings! Beware their power!
Saturday, November 21, 2009
IJOCA 11-2 table of contents
The new issue of the International Journal of Comic Art is out and here's the table of contents -
Vol. 11, No. 2, Fall 2009
Indian Cartooning Symposium
Edited by John A. Lent
An Illustrated History of Indian Political Cartooning
John A. Lent
3
Vivalok Comics: Celebrating All That Is Small in India
Karline McLain
26
G. Aravindan's "Small Men and the Big World":
Re- Defining the "Comic" in the Strip
Gokul T. G.
44
Making People Laugh:
Toms and K. J. Yesudasan, Premier Cartoonists
in Kerala, India
Shevlin Sebastian
53
The Most Popular Polish Comics (1957-1989)
Radoslaw Bolalek
59
The Smartest Comic on Earth:
Metafiction in Chris Ware's Acme Novelty Library #16
Paul Cheng
88
Lessons My Father Taught Me about Komiks
Clodualdo del Mundo, Jr.
103
"Sex and the City":
The Graphic Novel Series Aya
as West African Comedy of Manners
Marla Harris
119
The Next Generation of Comics Scholarship
Sandino and Other Superheroes:
The Function of Comic Books in Revolutionary Nicaragua
Bram Draper
136
Both Everyman and Other:
"Dilbert" as an Exemplar of Newspaper Comics' Simultaneous Identification and Distance
Julie A. Davis
176
Chronicler of Most of a Century:
Cartoonist Ding Cong (1916-2009)
John A. Lent and Xu Ying
195
"The Greatest Story Ever Drawn!"
Cleopatra in American Comics
Gregory N. Daugherty
208
Press Cartoons in France: A Short History
Jean-Marie Bertin
English translation by Micheline Maupoint and Alex Noel Watson
231
Vive la France, Now Who Are We?
Bande Dessinée, the 16 July 1949 Law,
and the Political Re-imagining of Post-World War II France
Joel Vessels
272
Beyond High and Low:
How Comics and Museums Learned to Co-exist
Kim Munson
283
Affect and the Body in Melville's "Bartleby"
and Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki's Skim
Patti Luedecke
299
Working Around Words:
Rauf Talishinsky's Azerbaijani Web Cartoons
Interview and Commentary by Alison Mandaville
Translation by Nikki Talishinsky
322
Drawn to Distraction:
Comics Reading in Kevin Huizenga's "Lost and Found"
Benjamin Stevens
336
From Bumpkin to Blessed --
Comics and National Identity: A Brazilian Case Study
Gêisa Fernandes D'Oliveira
350
Comic Book Artists and Writers and Philosophers
Jeff McLaughlin
364
An Essay
The Spirit Passes: The Second Coming
of the Comic Strip's Golden Age
Charles Natoli
372
"How to Draw Thinking" Panel,
Small Press Expo, Rockville, MD, Oct. 14, 2006
Isaac Cates
380
An Essay
From Cartoon Art to Child Pornography
Murray Lee Eiland
396
Hong Kong Manhua after the Millennium
Connie Lam
410
Moebius, Gir, Giraud, Gérard:
Self-Visualizations
Maaheen Ahmed
421
Political Commentary and Dissent
in the Tapestry and the Cartoon Strip
Jamie Egolf
432
The Printed Word
John A. Lent
447
<Book Reviews>
Starr Hoffman
Héctor Fernández L'Hoeste
Sol M. Davidson
455
<Exhibition and Media Reviews>
edited by Michael Rhode
Ian Gordon
R.J. Gregov
Pascal Lefèvre
Michael J. Dittman
Ron Stewart
Sarah Lightman
Ariel Kahn
Michael Hill
Michael Rhode
Ofer Berenstein
Peter R. Sattler
Beth Davies-Stofka
Nathan Atkinson
Jose Alaniz
472
<Portfolio>
515
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Post features local sports cartoonist
Sports cartoonist John Tayman of Maryland is featured in this article on the Post's website - Web-savvy cartoonist makes a bang with the NFL
By Jeff Newman
The Calvert Recorder
Thursday, November 19, 2009
By Jeff Newman
The Calvert Recorder
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Telnaes and Wuerker are runnerups for Berryman award
Editorial cartoonists Ann Telnaes and Matt Wuerker were Honorary Mentions for the annual Clifford Berryman award. Interestingly, they were both mentioned for their online editorial cartooning. Bill Day, who recently was fired, was also cited. His work submitted for the RFK Award this past year was excellent. The winner was Mike Keefe and the ceremony will be in Washington. Here's the press release:
Mike Keefe of Denver Post Wins Berryman Cartooning Award
From National Press Foundation; Wuerker, Telnaes, Day Also Cited
Washington, November 19 -- Mike Keefe of the Denver Post has been awarded the 2009 Berryman Award for Editorial Cartooning for a wide-ranging series of drawings that poked fun at politicians, journalists and public perceptions.
The award carries a $2,500 prize and a crystal trophy. The award will be presented at the 27th annual National Press Foundation Awards Dinner, Tuesday night, February 16th, 2010, at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The theme of the night’s dinner is, “Journalism Matters.” NPF has created a special blog about its dinner, http://tinyurl.com/yhvsozl.
The judges also awarded Honorary Mentions to Matt Wuerker of Politico and Ann Telnaes of washingtonpost.com for the “innovative use of animation in their work, which is expected to be the wave of the future.”
· One devilishly complicated animated cartoon from Wuerker is called, “The Really Big Operation. “ It is based on a children’s game in which contestants take turns trying to extract a bone or organ from a patient, using an electrified tweezers. In Wuerker’s online version, the “patient” is the U.S. health care system, and making a mistake (as everyone must do) results in a dialogue balloon popping up, saying for example, “BZZZT! Don’t even go near proposing Single Payer. You’ll be called a socialist!” www.politico.com/wuerker/animation.html
· Ann Telnaes, a Pulitzer Prize and previous Berryman winner, uses sound bites made by public figures and then constructs an ironic and often absurd reference for them – Uncle Sam carrying an enormous figure representing China on his back, while a Chinese figure holding U.S. exports in a gift bag stands nearby. When the screen goes dark, you hear the loud sound of Uncle Sam crashing to the ground. (www.washingtonpost.com, search for Ann Telnaes.)
· In another gesture towards the historically important venue of cartooning, the judges awarded a Certificate of Merit to cartoonist Bill Day, for a series of graphically powerful images highlighting child abuse. One showing a small child facing an enormous fist hardly needs a caption at all. Day is the former editorial cartoonist of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, now syndicated by United Feature Syndicate. His work can be seen at www.unitedfeatures.com.
Keefe will narrative a dozen or so drawings at the event, which draws 1,000 people from the Washington journalism, policy and think tank communities. Single drawings from Wuerker, Telnaes and Day will also be shown. The cartooning award is always one of the highlights of the dinner, the single largest source of unrestricted revenue for NPF, a non-profit that provides no-cost, all expenses paid educational programs for journalists.
In one of Keefe’s entries, he mocks the health care debate and the public’s refusal to pay for infrastructure improvements with a drawing showing a family bumping along a miserable, rocky road. “WHY AREN’T YOU USING THE HIGHWAY?” a woman asks her husband. “I DON’T BELIEVE IN PUBLIC OPTIONS!” he snarls in return as a terrified baby in the back bawls his head off. Keefe has been the editorial cartoonist of the Denver Post since 1975. His work is available through http://www.intoon.com/.
The judges were David Rapp, editor-in-chief, Federal Computer Week, and VP/Content, 1105 Government Information Group; Kathy Mannix, executive director, Young D.C., and Walter Wurfel, broadcast executive. For information about participating in the NPF dinner, contact Kerry@nationalpress.org, 202-663-7282. For information about NPF, contact NPF president Bob Meyers, bob@nationalpress.org.
Mike Keefe of Denver Post Wins Berryman Cartooning Award
From National Press Foundation; Wuerker, Telnaes, Day Also Cited
Washington, November 19 -- Mike Keefe of the Denver Post has been awarded the 2009 Berryman Award for Editorial Cartooning for a wide-ranging series of drawings that poked fun at politicians, journalists and public perceptions.
The award carries a $2,500 prize and a crystal trophy. The award will be presented at the 27th annual National Press Foundation Awards Dinner, Tuesday night, February 16th, 2010, at the Washington Hilton Hotel. The theme of the night’s dinner is, “Journalism Matters.” NPF has created a special blog about its dinner, http://tinyurl.com/yhvsozl.
The judges also awarded Honorary Mentions to Matt Wuerker of Politico and Ann Telnaes of washingtonpost.com for the “innovative use of animation in their work, which is expected to be the wave of the future.”
· One devilishly complicated animated cartoon from Wuerker is called, “The Really Big Operation. “ It is based on a children’s game in which contestants take turns trying to extract a bone or organ from a patient, using an electrified tweezers. In Wuerker’s online version, the “patient” is the U.S. health care system, and making a mistake (as everyone must do) results in a dialogue balloon popping up, saying for example, “BZZZT! Don’t even go near proposing Single Payer. You’ll be called a socialist!” www.politico.com/wuerker/animation.html
· Ann Telnaes, a Pulitzer Prize and previous Berryman winner, uses sound bites made by public figures and then constructs an ironic and often absurd reference for them – Uncle Sam carrying an enormous figure representing China on his back, while a Chinese figure holding U.S. exports in a gift bag stands nearby. When the screen goes dark, you hear the loud sound of Uncle Sam crashing to the ground. (www.washingtonpost.com, search for Ann Telnaes.)
· In another gesture towards the historically important venue of cartooning, the judges awarded a Certificate of Merit to cartoonist Bill Day, for a series of graphically powerful images highlighting child abuse. One showing a small child facing an enormous fist hardly needs a caption at all. Day is the former editorial cartoonist of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, now syndicated by United Feature Syndicate. His work can be seen at www.unitedfeatures.com.
Keefe will narrative a dozen or so drawings at the event, which draws 1,000 people from the Washington journalism, policy and think tank communities. Single drawings from Wuerker, Telnaes and Day will also be shown. The cartooning award is always one of the highlights of the dinner, the single largest source of unrestricted revenue for NPF, a non-profit that provides no-cost, all expenses paid educational programs for journalists.
In one of Keefe’s entries, he mocks the health care debate and the public’s refusal to pay for infrastructure improvements with a drawing showing a family bumping along a miserable, rocky road. “WHY AREN’T YOU USING THE HIGHWAY?” a woman asks her husband. “I DON’T BELIEVE IN PUBLIC OPTIONS!” he snarls in return as a terrified baby in the back bawls his head off. Keefe has been the editorial cartoonist of the Denver Post since 1975. His work is available through http://www.intoon.com/.
The judges were David Rapp, editor-in-chief, Federal Computer Week, and VP/Content, 1105 Government Information Group; Kathy Mannix, executive director, Young D.C., and Walter Wurfel, broadcast executive. For information about participating in the NPF dinner, contact Kerry@nationalpress.org, 202-663-7282. For information about NPF, contact NPF president Bob Meyers, bob@nationalpress.org.
Nevin Martell Signing Take 2
Nevin Martell, author of Looking for Calvin and Hobbes, will be making an in-store appearance at the Bailey's Crossroads, VA Borders tonight at 7:30 pm:
http://www.borders.com/online/store/EventView?city=&state=&zipCode=&within=&all_stores=&selectedStoreId=10592&eventId=319313&
http://www.borders.com/online/store/EventView?city=&state=&zipCode=&within=&all_stores=&selectedStoreId=10592&eventId=319313&
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
12/5: Matt Wuerker's Newseum event 12/5
Politico Cartooning with Matt Wuerker
Saturday, Dec. 5 at 2:30 p.m., Knight Studio, Level 3
-tip courtesy of
Bruce Guthrie
Photo obsessive
http://www.digitalphalanx.com/bguthrie
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Washington Blade closes
The gay weekly Washington Blade closed yesterday, removing two comics from our purview - Mike Ritter's editorial cartoons and the irregularly published but regularly appearing comic strip Kyle's Bed and Breakfast. The Post is reporting now that the staffers plan to get a Friday edition out in spite of the dissolution of the parent company Windows Media.
The paper went seriously downhill when it was acquired, and hopefully it can be resurrected and go back to running three or four cartoon features although Dykes to Watch Out For is on indefinite hiatus.
Post on A Madascar Christmas
Every creature is stirring -- and it's still November
By Hank Stuever
Washington Post November 17, 2009
Baltimore Comic-Con at the VA Comicon
Richmond, Virginia - November 17, 2009 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is passing along the following press release from our friend and Harvey Awards sponsor VA COMICON, as we will be making a panel appearance during the show! Please join us at 2:30pm on Saturday, November 21st as Marc Nathan, founder and promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con joins Shelton Drumm of Heroes Con to discuss inside information about comic conventions as well as surprise announcements!
The VA COMICON comes to Richmond, VA November 21-22, 2009 with 6 different GI JOE artists! This will be the first two-day comic book show in the state of Virginia in over 25 years, and will take place across 10,000+ square feet at the Crowne Plaza West (6532 W Broad Street in Richmond, VA).
With Guests of Honor Larry Hama (the creator of the Modern Day GI JOE franchise) and Chris Claremont (the #1 best-selling writer of X-Men), the event will be a blast for the whole family! These guests will be joined by dozens of top comic artists and writers including 6 different creators behind GI JOE, three different creators behind Deadpool, Alex Saviuk, the artist behind Stan Lee's The Amazing Spider-Man in the newspaper, and more!
Other Exhibitors include CGC comics grading services, the Hero Initiative, Regal Cinemas, Brick Weekly, The Wieringo Scholarship, multiple small press vendors, Nascar Comics, and MORE!
FREE for ALL children, FREE if you come in Full Costume, and FREE if you have a Student or Military ID! All other tickets are just $10 for the entire weekend! The first 750 paid admissions will receive a FREE VA Comicon holiday variant of Witchblade #132 by guest Randy Green! Art Auction Saturday, Costume Contest Sunday! Much more information at the VA Comicon website at www.vacomicon.com!
Artist list:
LARRY HAMA (GI JOE, Wolverine, 'Nam)
KEVIN SHARPE (Nova, Army of Darkness)
CHUCK DIXON (GI JOE, Outsiders)
CHRIS CLAREMONT (All things X-Men)
BILLY TUCCI (Sgt. Rock, Shi)
ADAM LUCAS (Zuda Winner)
ALEX SAVIUK (Spider-Man Sundays)
JOHN GALLAGHER (Nascar Heroes)
KELLY YATES (Dr. Who, Amber Atoms)
ROBERT ATKINS (GI JOE, NBC's Heroes)
RICK KETCHAM (Amazing Spider-Man)
MIKE McKONE (Fantastic Four, Amazing Spider-Man, JLI)
JAMES KUHORIC (Dead Irons, Battlestar Galactica)
DAN PARENT (Betty and Veronica)
RANDY GREEN (Witchblade, Tomb Raider)
REILLY BROWN (Cable and Deadpool)
JIM CALAFIORE (Batgirl, Deadpool)
MARK McKENNA (Exiles, Countdown)
J.C. VAUGHN (CSI, Shi, Battlestar Galactica)
BUDD ROOT (creator of Cavewoman)
ANDY SMITH (Weapon X, Deadly Duo)
STEVE BIRD (Hard Time, Blue Beetle)
JOHN WYCOUGH (BloodRayne, GI JOE)
BRIAN SHEARER (Marvel Trading Cards)
KEN MARCUS (Super Human Resources)
LOUIS SMALL JR (Lady Death, Vampirella)
ERIC WOLFE HANSON (Micronauts, GI JOE)
STEVE CONLEY (Bloop, Star Trek)
RICK SPEARS (Teenagers from Mars)
JAMES CALLAHAN (Strange Detective Tales)
....and MORE!
We look forward to seeing you there! Tickets available online! All online ticket holders get in ½ hour early each day! Show hours are 12p-7p on Saturday, November 21, and 10-4pm on Sunday November 22! Free Bowling Party on Saturday Night! FREE Parking! Go to www.VAcomicon.com for info and to RSVP!
See you there!
Next Year's Baltimore Comic-Con
Please mark your calendars now to join us in 2010 on August 28th and 29th for the Baltimore Comic-Con's 11th year. Confirmed guests include Michael and Laura Allred, Howard Chaykin, Frank Cho, Amanda Conner, Dan DiDio, Al Feldstein, Ron Garney, Michael Golden, Geoff Johns, Michael Lark, Phil Noto, Jimmy Palmiotti, Eric Powell, James Robinson, Jim Starlin, Mark Texeira, and Marv Wolfman.
Details on guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming leading up to the show can always be found at our website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and ComicSpace pages.
DC Craft Mafia
I noticed an ad in this week's City Paper for the DC Craft Mafia's Holiday Heist on Saturday, November 21st. 12pm - 6pm. The event is to be held at The Soundry (316 Dominion Road, Vienna, VA 22180), and I know Carolyn Belefski with Curls Studio will be in attendance, a regular at local comics events. Perhaps a good opportunity to pick up some holiday artistic goodies (and some comics from Curls!).
Monday, November 16, 2009
Irene Vartanoff interviewed
Here's a feature on a local fan turned pro, Irene Vartanoff. Irene's sister Ellen lives in the area, and displays some of the family's artwork up at Montgomery College sometimes.
Interview with Irene Vartanoff!
Posted by Jacque Nodell
Sequential Crush blog Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Interview with Irene Vartanoff!
Posted by Jacque Nodell
Sequential Crush blog Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Nov 21: Terry Flippo, Beyond Comics artist appearance
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