Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Truitt on Attuma in Fear Itself series

Attuma a 'Worthy' barbarian of the deep in 'Fear Itself'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 30 2011

...sounds like the Sub-Mariner and Avengers foe gets powered up because he wasn't a strong enough warlord before even though he invaded New York City...

June 1 is still new comics day (repost)

In spite of May 30th being a holiday, which usually means comic books ship a day late, Wednesday June 1 is still new comics day. However, the books will be arriving in stores that day, so plan your weekly pickup for later in the day.

UK paper profiles former UMD cartoonist Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney: Diarist of a Wimpy Kid; Forget Harry Potter – Kinney's books have sold more than 50 million copies and spawned a major film franchise. James Mottram meets him
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/features/jeff-kinney-diarist-of-a-wimpy-kid-2291050.html

PR: WashPost: Tom Toles's Cartoon Caption Contest Returns

As I received it:

The Washington Post's Tom Toles Cartoon Caption Contest returns today. To enter, check out what Tom Toles sketched and post your suggested caption in the comments section by 11:59 pm ET June 6. Toles will read through all the entries and will plan to announce the winner the next evening. The prize is a print of that cartoon, signed by Toles and including the caption suggested by the winner.

For the cartoon and official rules: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/tom-toles/post/tom-toless-cartoon-caption-contest-returns/2011/05/27/AG7a9zCH_blog.html

Monday, May 30, 2011

Rafer Roberts on his Kirby Challenge comic

Rafer Roberts

Over the last 7 days, a whole bunch of kick-ass comic creators cranked out some comics for the Small Press Commandos' KIRBY CHALLENGE. Mine went online today.

So please visit the Small Press Commando site to read it, and make sure to keep checking back to read all the different comics too!

KIRBY CHALLENGE: TEAM ZULU « Small Press Commandos

smallpresscommandos.com

Our very first Commando Challenge was a Smashing success. Our hand picked teams executed their mission in keeping with the highest traditions of our medium. We will be featuring a story a day for the entire week. First up is TEAM ZULU. RAFER "RAMBO" ROBERTS was a one man army on this mission...

4th Sequential Tart on Finder

Read this or die: Finder
By Sheena McNeil
Sequential Tart May 30, 2011
http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1989

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Truitt on American Vampire and Fear Itself's Hulk

'American Vampire' spawns a new World War II miniseries
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-26-American-Vampire-comic-series-spawns-spinoff_n.htm

The Hulk is incredibly 'Worthy' in event series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 23 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-23-The-Hulk-is-incredibly-Worthy-in-comics-event-series_n.htm

PR: Beyond Comics Memorial Day Sale!

Beyond Comics Memorial Day Sale!

Monday May 30th
11am to 8pm

50% Off New Comics*

25% Off Graphic Novels

20% Off T-Shirts

25% Off Posters

Action Figures
30% Off Green Lantern A/F
30% Off Thor Movie A/F
25% Off DC Heroes (Mattell)
50% Off DC Direct

Statues
20% Off Select Bowen Statues
10% Off Select Sideshow Statues

25% Off Posters

*All sales subject to availability. Sales do not apply to recent arrivals except where noted. Sale prices not applicable to special orders, on hold items or subscriptions. Discounts may not be combined with any other sales or promotions. Certain exclusions apply, see individual stores for details.

Please visit our stores any time.

Gaithersburg Frederick

Gaithersburg Square                       Route 85
536 North Frederick Ave                  5632 Buckeystown Pike
Gaithersburg, MD 20877                  Frederick, MD 21704
301-668-8202                               (301) 6668-8202

Richard Thompson wins cartooning's 'Oscar' award

Richard Thompson won the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Award, named after legendary cartoonist Rube Goldberg, in Boston last night. Comic Riffs has the story and also points out that Gary Varvel who won the RFK Journalism Award for editorial cartooning here in DC, also won the NCS editorial cartooning division award.

And here's Richard's blogpost on winning. And here are Chris Sparks' pictures from the ceremony.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

June 23: Gaiman's coming!

From: Randy T:

http://www.conventionscene.com/2011/05/23/dc-american-gods-lecture/

Colin Solan's Convention Scene site has the details about the National Press Club event.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Truitt on Captain America

'I Am Captain America' covers depict real heroes
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-26-Marvel-Comics-covers-depict-real-heroes_n.htm

BBC on Jeff Kinney

Jeff Kinney: 'Wimpy Kid was for grown-ups'
By Tim Masters Entertainment and arts correspondent, BBC News May 27 2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13540941

June 1 is still new comics day

Thursday, May 26, 2011

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Stan "The Man" Lee as Guest of Honor!

I'm falling behind on BCC's PR, but here's an announcement that should excite people

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Stan "The Man" Lee as Guest of Honor!

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - May 26, 2011 - The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to officially announce that Stan "The Man" Lee will be the Guest of Honor at this year's convention. The show will be taking place at the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of August 20-21, 2011.

Stan Lee picture

Known the world over as the architect of the Marvel Universe, Lee -- along with Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko -- co-created some of the most iconic characters of the Silver Age, including the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, the Avengers, X-Men, the Incredible Hulk, Thor, Daredevil, Iron Man, and Doctor Strange.

Lee began his career in comics in 1939 at the age of 16, working for Martin Goodman at Timely Comics. He made his writing debut in 1941 with a text filler story in Captain America Comics #3 and wrote his first back-up story for that title two issues later. Lee continued to write for the publisher and, at the age of 19, was installed as interim editor. With a head for business and an eye for comics, Lee graduated to become editor-in-chief and art director of the comics division.

Throughout his illustrious career, which has spanned more than 70 years, Lee has been a writer, editor, publisher, President, and Chairman at Marvel Comics. He's made cameo appearances in 14 films based on his creations and had a supporting role in Kevin Smith's 1995 film, Mallrats.

In 2010, Lee teamed up with Boom! Studios to create three original superheroes titles -- Soldier Zero, Starborn, and The Traveler -- for the publisher, and in January of 2011, he worked with the National Hockey League (NHL) on the Guardian Project, creating a "Guardian" character based on the team mascot for each of the 30 cities with NHL franchises.

"There is no bigger star in all of comics. This will thrill all comics fans on the East Coast," said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Personally, I am so excited, I can't wait!"

Lee will be appearing at the Baltimore Comic-Con on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as attending the banquet for the Harvey Awards on Saturday evening. Details regarding ticket pricing for signings and VIP packages will be released over the next few weeks. To receive the latest information about Stan Lee and all of the Baltimore Comic-Con news, sign up for our mailing list at baltimorecomiccom.com!

In addition to Guest of Honor Stan Lee, other confirmed guests for the show include: Jason Aaron (Scalped, PunisherMAX); Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead); Nick Cardy (Aquaman, Teen Titans); Cliff Chiang (Greendale); Frank Cho (50 Girl 50, X-Men: Schism, New Ultimates); Todd Dezago (Super Hero Squad, The Perhapanauts); David Finch (Brightest Day, Batman: The Dark Knight); Ron Frenz (Spider-Girl); Jose-Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics, Batman Confidential); Michael Golden (creator of Bucky O'Hare); Mike Grell (Action Comics, The Pilgrim); Brad Guigar (Evil, Inc., Courting Disaster); Steve Hamaker (Bone); Cully Hamner (Red, Red: Eyes Only); Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic, Act-i-Vate); Jamal Igle (Supergirl, Zatanna); J.G. Jones (Doc Savage, DC Universe Legacies); Barry Kitson (Secret Invasion, Amazing Spider-Man); Laura Martin (New Avengers, Thor); Mark Morales (Fear Itself cover artist); Kevin Nowlan (Wednesday Comics); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Vision, Strange); Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Walter Simonson (Thor); Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL); Nick Spencer (Morning Glories, Iron Man 2.0); Brian Stelfreeze (Wednesday Comics); Karl Story (DC Universe Legacies); Tim Truman (Conan the Cimmerian); Neil Vokes (Flesh & Blood, Eagle: The Original Adventures); and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace pages.

This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 21st.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution

promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications

registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations

harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet

general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 12th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 20-21, 2011. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 6 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Truitt on Witch Doctor

'Witch Doctor' melds horror and medicine
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-26-witch-doctor-sneak-peek_n.htm

Post reviews Kung Fu Panda 2

Kung Fu Panda 2 packs less kapow.
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post May 26, 2011

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/kung-fu-panda-2,1158871.html

Flintstones article in today's Express

Yabba Dabba Do!: Flintstones Getting Modern Reboot
by Marc Silver
Express May 26 2011 p. 29
http://www.expressnightout.com/content/2011/05/flintstones-reboot-fox-seth-macfarlane.php

Examiner runs AP review of Kung Fu Panda 2

Lemire, Christy / Associated Press. 2011.

'Panda 2' is lovely but lacks fresh kick.

Washington Examiner (May 26): 32

...if you're interested.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

'Trickster' featured at American Library Association conference

Authors, illustrators discuss "Trickster" graphic novel and honoring cultures
Mon, 05/23/2011
http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/news/ala/authors-illustrators-discuss-trickster-graphic-novel-and-honoring-cultures

- the press release says that Matt Dembicki will be on hand to talk about the anthology.

Kevin Rechin on his cartoonist father Bill

RIP, Bill Rechin: Artist son memorializes 'Crock' cartoonist
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (May 25 2011)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-bill-rechin-artist-son-memorializes-crock-cartoonist/2011/05/24/AGZZQGBH_blog.html

Bill Blackbeard recalls his career

Comic strip savior & historian Bill Blackbeard died earlier this year. An article by him about his career is now available online for the first time -

The Four Color Paper Trail: A Look Back

Bill Blackbeard

Reprinted from the International Journal of Comic Art, 5:2 (Fall 2003).

http://ijoca.blogspot.com/2011/05/bill-blackbeard-reminisces-2003.html

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Flugennock latest cartoon: "Obama's AIPAC Speech, Condensed

Click through to see his thoughts on the cartoon -

http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=856

Obama AIPAC Speech, Condensed

Wash Examiner blog whacks at Ted Rall

What Ted Rall tells us

Christopher Taylor

Washington Examiner 05/23/11 : http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/opinion-zone/2011/05/what-ted-rall-tells-us

Bill Rechin obituary wirestory runs in Post

Cartoonist Bill Rechin, co-creator of 'Crock' comic strip, dies at 80
Washington Post May 24 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/cartoonist-bill-rechin-co-creator-of-crock-comic-strip-dies-at-80/2011/05/23/AFSmt89G_story.html

NPR's Monkey See returns to Sandman

Book Club: Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman: Dream Country,' Part Four

by Linda Holmes and Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (May 24, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/05/24/136611702/book-club-neil-gaimans-the-sandman-dream-country-part-four

Monday, May 23, 2011

Hogan's Alley likes Richard Thompson's chances at the Reuben awards

The National Cartoonist Society's Reuben Awards ceremony is next weekend and Tom Heintjes at Hogan's Alley likes Richard Thompson's chances in the two categories he's nominated in.

3rd Finder article at Sequential Tart

Self-Discovery/ies in Finder: Voice
By Rebecca Buchanan
May 23, 2011
http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1985

Washington Post Magazine article on Richard Thompson reprinted in Express

Michael Cavna's long profile from yesterday is now a 8-paragraph Reader's Digest-type versionon page 25 of today's free Express.

Richard Thompson and Michael Cavna on NPR

Coping With Disease While Capturing Childhood
National Public Radio's Tell Me More May 23, 2011
http://www.npr.org/2011/05/23/136579290/-coping-with-disease-while-capturing-childhood
http://pd.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/tmm/2011/05/20110523_tmm_03.mp3?dl=1

Artist Richard Thompson's "Cul de Sac" is a daily watercolor comic strip in 140 newspapers. It centers on a young girl's experiences with her friends on a cul-de-sac. The Washington Post's Michael Cavna has written a profile on Thompson's career and struggles with Parkinson's disease. Host Michel Martin speaks with Cavna and Thompson about this latest article in the Washington Post Magazine.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Annapolis paper looks at comic book deaths

The end is just the beginning
Comics fans discuss the demise - and resurrection - of superheroes
By THERESA WINSLOW
The Capital 05/22/11
http://www.hometownannapolis.com/news/lif/2011/05/22-12/The-end-is-just-the-beginning.html

Truitt on Shinku

'Shinku' pits a female samurai vs. Japanese vampires
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 19 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-19-Shinku-pits-female-samurai-vs-Japanese-vampires_n.htm

Bill Rechin's funeral arrangements

A Mass celebration will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 25 at St. Matthew's Catholic church located at 8200 Robert E Lee Drive, Spotsylvania, VA with Father Augustine Tran officiating. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 24 at Covenant Funeral Service, 4801 Jefferson Davis Highway, Fredericksburg, VA.

Bill Rechin's obituary in his local paper

Death claims cartoonist Bill Rechin

By MICHAEL ZITZ

Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star May 22, 2011

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2011/052011/05222011/628177

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Richard Thompson and Michael Cavna on NPR on Monday morning

Richard Thompson and Michael Cavna will be on NPR's Tell Me More on Monday morning at 11 am.

Bill Rechin has died

Formerly-local 'Crock' cartoonist Bill Rechin has died today of complications from cancer. He's survived by his son, cartoonist Kevin Rechin of Falls Church, whom will be drawing the strip now.

Our sympathies go out to Kevin and his family.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Comic Riffs on Team Cul de Sac, Bill Watterson and Peter Dunlap-Shohl

'Calvin and Hobbes' creator BILL WATTERSON: On painting a portrait of 'Cul de Sac's Petey
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 20 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/calvin-and-hobbes-creator-bill-watterson-on-painting-a-portrait-of-cul-de-sacs-petey/2011/05/18/AF7W1m7G_blog.html

THE 'RIFFS INTERVIEW: How cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohl adapted after the 'unexpected impact' of Parkinson's
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 20 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-riffs-interview-how-cartoonist-peter-dunlap-shohl-adapted-after-the-unexpected-impact-of-parkinsons/2011/05/18/AFUQ6l7G_blog.html#pagebreak

PR: ACT-I-VATE’s SAM & LILAH MOVES TO MTV GEEK, GIVES AWAY FREE STUFF

From: Jim Dougan

Gentle readers, friends, family, and acquaintances:

We are pleased to announce that, as part of the continuing relationship between webcomics collective ACT-I-VATE (http:www.activatecomix.com) and MTV GEEK, Jim Dougan and Hyeondo Park's SAM & LILAH will be part of growing new comics lineup at the MTV site.

The first three chapters of S&L that have previously appeared on ACT-I-VATE will now also appear on MTV GEEK, with future installments to follow, likewise, on both sites.

You can read more about it, and even see video of Jim being interviewed at this year's MoCCA Festival, here:

http://geek-news.mtv.com/2011/05/19/star-crossed-lovers-read-act-i-vates-sam-and-lilah-now-on-mtv-geek/

And read (or re-read, as the case may be) the first installment of SAM & LILAH here:

http://www.mtv.com/geek/comic/issue/1111/sam-and-lilah-1-pt-1.jhtml

SO WHAT ABOUT THAT FREE STUFF?

Here's the deal: each week we will be asking a question, or asking you to tell us a story relevant to that week's Sam & Lilah update. The best response will get the writer our Weekly Prize: a signed print of a page from that week! Then, for each Chapter, we'll pick a winner to receive the Chapter Prize: a signed copy of the ACT-I-VATE PRIMER from IDW Publishing, which contains an exclusive Sam & Lilah story that will not appear on MTV Geek (or on ACT-I-VATE). Finally, we'll choose from among all the responses over 11 weeks to receive the Grand Prize of a page (our choice) of Hyeondo Park's original art!

How do I reply: you can post here on Tumblr, on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/samandlilah), Tweet us @samandlilah, link to a blog post, or e-mail us at samnlilah AT gmail DOT com. Extra points for audio/visual responses!

Week 1's question is here:

http://samandlilah.tumblr.com/post/5642511600/weekly-contest-question-week-1

We look forward to hearing from you!

NOTE: To be eligible for a Weekly Prize, you need to have responded during the first week the update appeared. To be eligible for the Chapter Prize, you only need to have provided a response that we like to any of the questions during the time the Chapter first appeared (winners of the Weekly Prizes will be automatically included). Finally, to be eligible for the Grand Prize, you only need to have provided a response that we like to any of the questions during the time that all three Chapters appeared (winners of the Weekly and Chapter Prizes will be automatically included, though, so if you're a latecomer it better be good!.)

So in summary: 11 free prints, 3 signed books, 1 page of original art, and an unlimited amount of Jim and Hyeondo's good will and appreciation. Good luck!

Thanks again for your time and interest!

Sincerely,

Jim Dougan and Hyeondo Park

www.facebook.com/samandlilah

www.twitter.com/samandlilah

samandlilah.tumblr.com

samnlilah AT gmail DOT com

MTV GEEK: http://www.mtv.geek.com

ACT-I-VATE: http://www.activatecomix.com

Jim Dougan: http://chatterbox-dc.livejournal.com

Hyeondo Park: http://www.hanaroda.net

Romance. Adventure. Curses. Cupcakes.

SAM & LILAH.

Washington Examiner article on comics movies

The Washington Examiner cover story article on comics movies is a bait-and-switch with just a couple of paragraphs of descriptions about movies coming out this summer.

OT: Comics and health and medicine

Martha's got an excellent bibliography online now, that's of interest to me due to Harvey Pekar's Our Cancer Year, as well as my day job in a medical museum. I've presented a paper on comics and cancer, but haven't published it yet.

Here's Martha's list -

Graphic Novels Short Takes: Health & Medicine
By Martha Cornog May 19, 2011
http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/newslettersnewsletterbucketbooksmack/890594-439/graphic_novels_short_takes_health.html.csp

Martha would also like people to know about this year's Graphic Medicine conference.

Comic Riffs' massive Richard Thompson profile

THE 'COMIC RIFFS' / POST MAGAZINE PROFILE: 'Cul de Sac' creator Richard Thompson faces life's cruel twists with artful wit
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 19 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/the-comic-riffspost-magazine-profile-cul-de-sac-creator-richard-thompson-faces-lifes-cruel-twists-with-artful-wit/2011/05/18/AFiNaT7G_blog.html#pagebreak

Note that this version is longer than the one appearing in Sunday's print Post Magazine.

Great job, Michael!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

"A portrait of ‘Cul de Sac’ cartoonist Richard Thompson" photos online

A portrait of 'Cul de Sac' cartoonist Richard Thompson

Dustin Fenstermacher
Washington Post

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/a-portrait-of-cul-de-sac-cartoonist-richard-thompson/2011/05/18/AFHTxQ7G_gallery.html#photo=1

and there's a big article coming this weekend.

Local writer Annette Curtis Klause in Bordertown anthology

Local fantasy writer Annette Curtis Klause has a story in the new Welcome to Bordertown anthology. Annette is a Montgomery County librarian who works with their comics collection, and was a judge for this year's RFK Journalism Award for the editorial cartoon division. In this anthology, comics writers Dylan Meconis, Holly Black and Neil Gaiman appear.

Weldon suggests more comics

Enjoying Your Trip to "Dream Country?" Here's Some Other Places to Visit
by Glen Weldon
May 19, 2011
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/05/19/136436115/enjoying-your-trip-to-dream-country-heres-some-other-places-to-visit

PR: Heroclix Tournament Saturday May 21 at Beyond Comics

Beyond Comics Heroclix Tournament...

Saturday May 21st

1:00pm to 5:00pm

600pts

Golden Age

10% limit on feats

1 feat per character max.

$2 Entry Fee

Prizes include $25 Gift Card, Limited Edition GSX Figures

At Beyond Comics

5632 Buckeystwon Pike Frederick, MD 21704

(301) 668-8202

USA Today on New Brighton Archaeological Society and Dilbert

Cast yourself in a 'Dilbert' strip
By John Geddes, USA TODAY May 18 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-18-New-tech-lets-you-cast-yourself-in-Dilbert-strip_n.htm

I'm not sure why the company thinks that they'll replace the idea of Photoshopping a picture into a strip.

Comic creator uses Kickstarter to fund new graphic novel
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 18 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-18-Comc-creator-uses-Kickstarter-for-graphic-novel_n.htm

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

May 21: Rafer Roberts at Fanticon 2, plus his Carolyn Belefski interview. And her Rafer Roberts interview.

Rafer Roberts says he'll be in Asheville, NC at Fanticon 2 this coming weekend.http://www.blogger.comhttp:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif/img/blank.gif

He and Carolyn Belefski also interviewed each other. And here's the one on Carolyn's site.

How about Happy Hooligan? Or Princeton plates?

Here's a Happy Hooligan planter (possibly) I picked up last weekend. It's small - it would fit in the palm of my hand.

And here's some plates that appear to be aimed at appealing to a Princeton University sophisticate.

"With his active interests, we'll probably send him to Princeton!" cartoon plate made by Paden City Pottery Company, and sold by College Hall, Tuckahoe, N.Y.

"She once dated a Princeton man! What's she doing up here?" cartoon plate made http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifby Paden City Pottery Company, and sold by College Hall, Tuckahoe, N.Y.

Label on reverse of Princeton cartoon plate - made by Paden City Pottery Company, and sold by College Hall, Tuckahoe, N.Y.

Finally, I didn't get anything but the photographs, but here's another of the Disney nutrition posters at DC bus stops - the third I think.

Gary Varvel receives RFK Journalism award for editorial cartoons

Tonight Gary Varvel received the RFK Journalism Award for editorial cartoons at the new US Institute of Peace. As one of the judges, I went to the award and got to http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifmeet him and chat briefly about his Path to Hope series that won him the award.

There's a few more photographs here.

SF Nebula Awards book signings - more details

Forty authors will sign their books at the Nebula Awards Weekend, Friday, May 20, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Washington Hilton at 1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. located four blocks from the Dupont Circle Metro Station (use the Q Street exit).

The event is open to the public.

The books of the authors participating in the signing will be available to be purchased near the Nebula Awards Weekend registration area in the Terrace Foyer throughout the weekend. See below for the tentative hours of The Book Depot.

The people who have currently indicated they would like to participate in the book signing are:

John Joseph Adams
Catherine Asaro
Paolo Bacigalupi
Christopher Barzak
J. Kathleen Cheney
Chris Claremont
Brenda W. Clough
Aliette de Bodard
Scott Edelman
Timons Esaias
Cynthia Felice
Andrew Fox
Laura Anne Gilman
Anne Groell
Joe Haldeman
Peter Heck
M.K. (Mary) Hobson
Vylar Kaftan
David Keck
John Kessel
Alethea Kontis
Mary Robinette Kowal
Geoffrey A. Landis
Lee Martindale
James Morrow
John Scalzi
Lawrence Schoen
Stanley Schmidt
Bud Sparhawk
Allen Steele
Eric James Stone
Michael J. Sullivan
Michael Swanwick
Darrell Schweitzer
Judith Tarr
Brandie Tarvin
Mary Turzillo
Michael Whelan
Connie Willis

Location and hours for The Book Depot:

Terrace Lobby – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Columbia Foyer – Friday 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Terrace Lobby – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Terrace Lobby – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – Noon

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Flugennock strikes again

http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=853
Off Your Asses, America – Time To Get Your Greek On!

Y'know, I really am jealous of the Greeks – not because of the shape their economy's in, nor because of the corruption of their government and its servility to capital, nor because of the state-imposed "austerity" programs they struggle against. I'm jealous of the Greeks and other Europeans because they haven't forgotten how to fight in the streets – unlike US activists, for whom "direct action" these days means standing around, waving signs or holding candles in front of the White House in the dark.

Click through for the rest of Mike's comments.

D.C. Comicon returns in June

Mark Ruffin has the story that it's coming back on June 19th. Local guests appear to be the Luna Brothers and JK Snyder III.

Mike

Truitt on Savage Dragon

Savage Dragon returns in Image Comics series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 16 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-16-Savage-Dragon-returns-in-comic-series_n.htm

Caricature article in Post

For those craving scandal...

by Roxanne Roberts and Amy Argetsinger

Washington Post (May 16, 2011)

...doesn't appear to be online, but is on the second page of the style section and deals with the political caricatures painted on the walls of the Sax restaurant which this earlier article touches on.

Frank Cho's Liberty Meadows video rights available again

'Liberty Meadows' Rights Revert; Frank Cho Working on Issue #38

ICv2 05/16/2011

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/20085.html

May 20: Chris Claremont at Nebula Awards

Chris Claremont is attending the Science Fiction Writers of America Nebula Awards weekend in Washington, DC and signing at the Washington Hilton, this Friday 5:30 to 7pm along with over 40 other sci-fi authors.

(from http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/05/17/tuesday-runaround-no-longer-the-master-of-your-domain/ )

Monday, May 16, 2011

Finder: Talisman reviewed at Sequential Tart

Finder: Talisman
By Patti Martinson
Sequential Tart May 16, 2011
http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1981

John Gallagher's Kickstarter project

John Gallagher has sent in his comic strip promoting his Kickstarter project.

You have a chance to help publish an exciting new Graphic Novel Collection premiering in Baltimore!!! Via Kickstarter.Com-- The Comic Book Diner Project is a 3 book boxed set of graphic novels by Harvey Award nominees John Gallagher and Rich Faber, as well as Glyph and Yalsa nominee Jamar Nicholas. Featuring Buzzboy, Roboy Red, and Leon: Protector of the Playground, each book is 96 pages, full color, and part of a boxed set which will premiere in Baltimore at the Comic-Con that is truly about comics. Anyone ordering books through the funding program at Kickstarter will get signed books, sketches, and possibly original art-- some backers can even get DRAWN INTO A STORY! Anyone who decides to pick up the books at the Baltimore Comic-Con will get a one of a kind DVD with Jamar, Rich & John's Comic Book Diner podcast, as well as digital pdf's of the three books.

Please check out the video and project overview at: http://kck.st/mMo5El

Thanks
John Gallagher
creator/writer/artist
Buzzboy
www.comicbookdiner.com

Travel cartoonist Steven Weinberg interview at City Paper

Meet a Formerly Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Steven Weinberg
by Mike Rhode on May. 16, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/05/16/meet-a-formerly-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-steven-weinberg/

'Thor' videogame review in today's Washington Examiner

'Thor' doesn't nail it [videogame].

by Greg Prince

Washington Examiner (May 16 2011)

http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/05/thor-doesnt-nail-it

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Comic Book Resources interviews Frank Cho

Counting '"50 Girls 50" with Frank Cho & Doug Murray
by TJ Dietsch,
Comic Book Resources May 11th, 2011
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=32274

Newsarama interviews Frank Cho

FRANK CHO Goes Sci-fi & Creator-Owned With 50 GIRLS 50
By Chris Arrant, Newsarama 10 May 2011
http://www.newsarama.com/comics/frank-cho-50-girls-50-110510.html

USA Today on Flashpoint, Fear Itself's Titania and Lady Mechanika

The Flash gets the focus of 'Flashpoint'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 8 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-08-FlashpointOnline_N.htm

Titania a female powerhouse in 'The Worthy'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 9 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-09-WorthyTitania_N.htm

'Lady Mechanika' leads Aspen Comics
By John Geddes, USA TODAY May 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-05-12-Lady-Mechanika-comic-series_n.htm

Interview with Finder's editor

A Whole Different Kind of Dark Horse Presents: Rachel Edidin
By Katherine Keller
May 9, 2011
http://www.sequentialtart.com/article.php?id=1991

Post columnists suggest cancelling Simpsons and recount a Bloom County anecdote

10 Things We Should Throw Out: Let's get rid of 'The Simpsons'
by Matt Zoller Seitz
Washington Post May 15 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/opinions/outlook/spring-cleaning-2011/simpsons.html

...and for the Bloom County anecdote ...

Gene Weingarten: Restraint of trademark
Washington Post Magazine May 15 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/gene-weingarten-restraint-of-trademark/2011/04/21/AFJdke2G_story.html

Friday, May 13, 2011

Comic Riffs on Rhymes with Orange and Candorville

Jen Sorenson filled in this week -

'RHYMES WITH ORANGE' guest artist 'honored' to be playing in Hilary Price's creative yard
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 13 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rhymes-with-orange-guest-artist-honored-to-be-playing-in-hilary-prices-creative-yard/2011/05/11/AFky2i2G_blog.html

-and Darrin Bell came up with some anti=bin Laden strips right after his death -

How 'CANDORVILLE' cartoonist made quick work of Bin Laden
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 13 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/how-candorville-cartoonist-made-quick-work-of-bin-laden/2011/05/12/AFKuhp2G_blog.html

OT: Wildfowl in Wood Sculptures by Jeff Rechin

Jeff Rechin, brother of local cartoonist Kevin Rechin and son of Crock cartoonist Bill Rechin has an exhibit of his neat bird sculptures opening May 21st at the Byrne Gallery in Middleburg, VA. It looks really cool.

Richmond's Chris Pitzer interviewed for Heroescon

HEROESCON 2011 : GUEST SPOTLIGHT : CHRIS PITZER
By: Seth Peagler
May 10, 2011
http://www.heroesonline.com/blog/2011/05/10/heroescon-2011-guest-spotlight-chris-pitzer/

Jim Dougan's Sam and Lilah online at MTV Geek

Jim Dougan writes in about the Sam & Lilah the webcomic he writes and Hyeondo Park draws (lovely) -

Sam & Lilah will be heading over to MTV Geek (http://www.mtv.com/geek/) for 11 weeks, starting on Thursday May 19! The first 11 weeks will be Chapters 1-3, which will have appeared on ACT-I-VATE, but for those who haven't it'll be all new!

In honor of this new thing, we'll be doing a bunch of quizzes and contests and whatnot, with a chance for fans to win prizes like signed books and prints, and even some original art! The best way to keep up with us will be on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/samandlilah) or Twitter (@samandlilah) for those who tweet, too.

What Jim didn't mention is that he's interviewed on the MTV site too - here and here.

Trudeau vs lobbyist plays out in DC's Politico

Alan Gardner of the Daily Cartoonist caught this story -

Doonesbury artist, lobbyist in spat
By: Chris Frates
May 12, 2011
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54902.html

John Gallagher's The Comic Book Diner Project at Kickstarter

Local cartoonist John Gallagher is starting a Kickstarter project (and I'll be contributing when I get home tonight) -

--
Randy Tischler
Baltimore Comic-Con Executive Staff

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Bill Gallo eulogized by former sports cartoonist Michael Cavna

RIP, BILL GALLO: From the middle of the ring, the dean of sports cartoonists embodied a golden era
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 12 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/rip-bill-gallo-dean-of-the-sports-cartoonists/2011/05/11/AFJXsi0G_blog.html#pagebreak

Toles wins another (UPDATED)

Tom Spurgeon reports that Tom Toles has won an Opinion Award from The Week, which may have put a video of the awards online, but definitely ran this article about his win.

The other cartoonists who were considered are Steve Breen, Mike Luckovich, Glenn McCoy and Rob Rogers. Sadly, I think the 5 might be 1/10th of the full-time editorial cartoonists working in newspapers.

New Team Cul de Sac contributions include DC-area cartoonist

DC's own Rob Steibel sent in one as did Asheville's Phil Juliano.

NPR's Monkey See on Paying for It and Sandman

'Paying For It' Without Regret: An Intriguing Graphic Memoir Of Prostitution

by Glen Weldon

May 12, 2011

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/05/12/136238884/paying-for-it-without-regret-an-intriguing-graphic-memoir-of-prostitution

Book Club: Neil Gaiman's 'The Sandman: Dream Country,' Part Three