Nov 6: New Yorker's Bob Mankoff in town

However, tickets are $180, benefiting Moment Magazine

Post on Simpson's Halloween episodes

'The Simpsons': The six most significant 'Treehouse of Horror' moments
By Jen Chaney
Washington Post Celebritology blog October 29 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/the-simpsons-the-six-most-significant-treehouse-of-horror-moments/2011/10/29/gIQAeoy3TM_blog.html

Truitt on Simon and Kirby, Pilot Season and the Hulk

'Pilot Season' Week 4: 'Fleshdigger' worms into fans' hearts
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 25 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-25/Pilot-Season-Fleshdigger-series-worms-into-horror-fans-hearts/50916056/1

Book collects Simon/Kirby crime comics of yesteryear

By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 27 2011

http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-27/New-book-collects-Simon-and-Kirbys-classic-crime-comics/50963446/1

Jason Aaron explores different side of 'The Incredible Hulk'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-26/Jason-Aaron-explores-different-side-of-The-Incredible-Hulk/50927110/1

Maryland's Jose Villarrubia featured

Gay teacher makes big impression in comic-book world
NUNN ON ONE: COMICS Special to the online edition of Windy City Times
by Jerry Nunn, Windy City Times 2011-10-26
http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=34450

Post reviews Rejection Collection

"The Best of the Rejection Collection," edited by Matthew Diffee
— Steven Levingston
Washington Post October 28 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-best-of-the-rejection-collection-edited-by-matthew-diffee/2011/10/12/gIQAo0b9PM_story.html

Post on Allen Gregory

TV: Fox's 'Allen Gregory,' a boy who's impossible to like
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post.com October 27 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/tv-foxs-allen-gregory-a-boy-whos-impossible-to-like/2011/10/21/gIQAGUFVMM_story.html

- I don't think this appeared in print.

Library of Congress' Timely and Timeless comics exhibit online

Seeing the originals is the best of course, but an online version of Timely and Timeless is up at http://myloc.gov/exhibitions/timeless/Pages/default.aspx

The exhibit is a 'best of' the past 10 years of collecting cartoons and comics in the Prints and Photographs division.

Nov 1: Richard Thompson at the Corcoran

Richard Thompson

Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m.

Lecture

"Calvin and Hobbes" creator Bill Watterson has said about Richard Thompson's "Cul de Sac": "The strip has a unique and honest voice, a seemingly intuitive feel for what comics do best ... a very funny intelligence."  Thompson, who also draws The Washington Post's "Richard's Poor Almanac," discusses the world of comic strips and highlights some of his favorites. This event is presented in collaboration with McDaniel College and the exhibition Kings of the Pages: Comic Strips and Culture 1895-1950, on view at McDaniel through November 19.

The Onion reviews Batman videogame

Batman: Arkham City A-
by David Wolinsky
The Onion October 27, 2011
http://www.avclub.com/articles/batman-arkham-city,63813/

Puss in Boots reviews in local papers

But first, an interview from yesterday:

A Case of Growling Pains
Out of his element, Billy Bob Thornton lends a villain his voice in 'Puss in Boots'
By Kristen Page-Kirby
[Washington Post] Express October 27, 2011, p. E9
http://www.expressnightout.com/2011/10/a-case-of-growling-pains/

Beyond Shrek, a cat o' fine tales
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post  Oct 28, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/puss-in-boots,1158937/critic-review.html#reviewNum1

Puss In Boots C+
by Tasha Robinson
The Onion October 27, 2011
http://www.avclub.com/articles/puss-in-boots,64062/

Truitt on new Wolverine series

Wolverine goes back to school in new X-Men series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 25 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-25/Wolverine-goes-back-to-school-in-new-X-Men-series/50916378/1

Weldon on spooky super-villains

Who's The Spookiest Super-Villain? Take The Poll Of Perfidiousness
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (October 27, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/10/27/141743081/whos-the-spookiest-super-villain-take-the-poll-of-perfidiousness

Comic Riffs on the Secrets of the Great Pumpkin

'IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN': 7 Things You Don't Know About Tonight's 'Peanuts' Special
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (October 27 2011):
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/its-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-7-things-you-dont-know-about-tonights-peanuts-special/2011/10/26/gIQAQPZhKM_blog.html#pagebreak

Dec 11: KAL at BMA

From http://thewalters.org/eventscalendar/eventdetails.aspx?e=2107&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=End+of+October+2011+Newsletter&utm_content=End+of+October+2011+Newsletter+CID_d22e186fd10b6c7586a607e6069e83c1&utm_source=campaign+monitor&utm_term=MORE+INFO

Kal-ender Konversation with KAL

Date: Sunday, December 11

Time: 02:00 PM–03:30 PM

Kevin Kallaugher, a.k.a. KAL, is best known for his internationally-syndicated political cartoons in more than 100 publications worldwide. Join us today as he'll chat about his work, look back at his best cartoons from 2011, and sign copies (a great gift for the holidays) of his award winning 2012 Kal-endar, published by The Economist. He'll finish his talk with a fun and lively drawing lesson.

KAL's partnership with The Economist began in March 1978 when he became its first resident cartoonist in their then 135-year history. KAL has also enjoyed a longtime partnership with The Walters, highlighted by a major retrospective exhibition of KAL's work at the museum in 2006.
--
Bruce Guthrie
Photo obsessive
http://www.bguthriephotos.com

Oct 27: Kevin Rechin's Free cartooning workshop

On October 27th, Kevin Rechin will be offering a FREE CARTOONING WORKSHOP from 7 until 9:30 pm. Please bring your materials of choice for this workshop at ArtSpace Falls Church. Open to the public, young and old, see and learn from a professional! Enjoy us for a fun evening with Kevin Rechin!

Truitt on Spaceman

'Spaceman' launches a sci-fi world and text-speak language
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 26 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-26/Vertigo-Comics-launches-new-Spaceman-series/50932886/1

Truitt on Jonah Hex

Jonah Hex takes center stage in 'All Star Western' series
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 24 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-24/Jonah-Hex-takes-center-stage-in-All-Star-Western-series/50889036/1

Maryland comic strip exhibit profiled

Kings of the Pages: Comic Strips and Culture 1895—1950
Comics exhibit at McDaniels College highlights a colorful slice of American history
By Max Robinson
Baltimore City Paper October 26, 2011
http://citypaper.com/arts/books/kings-of-the-pages-comic-strips-and-culture-1895-1950-1.1222930

Truitt on Robot Chicken

'Robot Chicken' revels in five seasons of toy spoofs
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 25 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-25/Robot-Chicken-animated-series-revels-in-fives-seasons-of-toy-spoofs/50905986/1

Bob Staake draws Homer Simpson

...for the Style Invitational contest. He's actually far more on-model than I expected.

Post on Beavis and Butt-heads oh-so-long-awaited return

'Beavis and Butt-head' return to MTV
By Jen Chaney,
Washington Post October 21 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/beavis-and-butt-head-return-to-mtv/2011/10/17/gIQAv1An3L_story.html

Comic Riffs talks to comic book creators about e-distribution battle

DC vs. BARNES & NOBLE SHOWDOWN: O Creator, Where Art Thou?
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 25 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/dc-vs-barnes-and-noble-showdown-o-creator-where-art-thou/2011/10/24/gIQAbkhHEM_blog.html#pagebreak

Miller's Holy Terror looked at with by a DC area foreign correspondent

Holy Terror comic is 'Islamophobic', say critics
Michael Hernandez (Foreign Correspondent)
Oct 25, 2011
http://www.thenational.ae/thenational/news/worldwide/holy-terror-comic-is-islamophobic-say-critics

This is for the Arab Emirates paper, and quotes a Big Planet Comics employee.

Nashville musician grew up reading Washington comics pages

Are Comic Strips Doomed?
Frank Michels
Random Things That Fall Out of My Head blog OCTOBER 24, 2011
http://open.salon.com/blog/frank_michels/2011/10/24/are_comic_strips_doomed

Big Planet guest-stars in Richmond comics report

Chris Pitzer of Adhouse Books talks about buying comics in Richmond and somehow Big Planet honchos Greg Bennett and Joel Pollack are in the picture (literally).

USA Today on Pilot Season, Birds of Prey and Batman

'Pilot Season' Week 3: The nasty beast within 'The Beauty'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 18 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-18/Top-Cows-Pilot-Season-continues-with-The-Beauty/50815448/1

Bryan Cranston goes from 'Breaking Bad' to Batman
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 18 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-18/Bryan-Cranston-goes-from-Breaking-Bad-to-Batman/50811132/1

'Birds of Prey' flies again under Duane Swierczynski's wing
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 17 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-17/DC-Comics-Birds-of-Prey-series-flies-again/50801090/1

PR: Fantom's Moving Sale & 2nd Annual Halloween Parade

2 Big Announcements! Fantom Comics 2nd Annual Halloween Parade and Costume Contest   We'll be leaving the Union Station store at promptly 5pm to parade around the Columbus Circle and finish at Kelly's Irish Times for drinks, fun and prizes!   Why come?   Prizes! We'll have prizes for: a) Best costume; b) Best couples costume; c) Geekiest costume. We will also be choosing 1 random person from the attendees list on Facebook for an additional prize, so be sure to confirm your attendence on the party's Facebook Event Page (To be eligible for a costume prize, you have to participate in the parade itself. To win the Facebook prize you just need to say you're attending on FB and be there to accept) Fun! Have a blast with fellow nerds! Perfect timing! By starting at 5pm we ensure that you can move on to whatever other big parties you've got going on later that night. Last chance to say good-bye to the old store. Saturday night is our last night at our current location. When we open up on Sunday it'll be at our new spot 1 floor up. Last chance to participate in our Moving Day Sale (see below)! Fantom Comics Moving Sale   Moving is a pain in the butt! Even if it's just moving upstairs. So from this coming Sunday, October 22 until next Saturday, October 29, Fantom Comics is offering 20% off of everything in the store, barring only the Newest Week's comics. Help us not have to break our backs moving all that inventory up all those stairs by taking advantage of this deal. Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com

Oct 26: Tom Feister signs in Salisbury, mD

Comic book artist to visit Salisbury
Ben Penserga
Oct. 23, 2011
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111023/LIFESTYLE/110230314/Comic-book-artist-visit-Salisbury


SALISBURY -- Comic artist Tom Feister comes to Salisbury as part of Illusions Games & Comics Customer Appreciation Day on Oct. 26.

Fiester, who has done work on "G.I. Joe" and "Legion of Superheroes," will appear to sign autographs from 4-6 p.m.

Click through to read an interview with him.

Oct 22: 3rd Eye Comics' Lovestruck Signing & SALE Tomorrow

For the full schedule of 6 WEEK HEART ATTACK events, click here.   Meet KEVIN MELLON (artist of Blair Butler's HEART) and DENNIS HOPELESS Tomorrow at Third Eye!  FIRST 5 PEOPLE IN LINE GET A THIRD EYE PRIZE PACK (including variants, comics, graphic novels and more)   Greetings and Salutations, Third Eye Faithful!   We're hosting an epic signing tomorrow at Third Eye in Annapolis with two of the quickest rising stars in comics: Dennis Hopeless and Kevin Mellon.    The signing will take place between 11AM-4PM.   Lovestruck released a couple of weeks ago, and with it, came a load of positive critical response. It's a fantastic story that reads like a fresh, and exciting mash-up of FABLES, AMERICAN GODS and SCOTT PILGRIM with a little bit of a Devil's Advocate kind of feel.    We're totally pumped to have these guys at the shop this weekend to celebrate the release of LOVESTRUCK. They'll be signing, sketching, and all that good stuff, and will also have prints and other exclusive merchandise available sale.   As many of you know, Kevin is also the artist on the new IMAGE COMICS title, HEART, by G4TV's BLAIR BUTLER, which is going to be HUGE, and we'll have Blair and Kevin back in on 11/12 for a big signing of HEART #1.    At NYCC last weekend, the Heart booth was swarmed, and judging by the sheer awesomeness of Kevin's work on LOVESTRUCK, Heart is going to be that extra push that pushes him over the edge into one of the biggest artists of 2012.   Also, joining Kevin is LOVESTRUCK writer DENNIS HOPELESS, who really impressed the heck out of us last week on LEGION OF MONSTERS #1, which delivered a fun, edgy and quirky read reminiscent of NEXTWAVE.   We'll have both of these guys at Third Eye in Annapolis from 11AM-4PM, so please, c'mon by and pay them a visit!   GET LOVESTRUCK BY OUR LOVESTRUCK CELEBRATION SALE   In celebration of having Dennis and Kevin out, we're going to be hosting a kick-ass surprise sale.  *15% OFF ALL TRADE PAPERBACKS & HARDCOVERS (excluding LOVESTRUCK & this week's new releases) *15% OFF ALL TOYS & STATUES (excluding this week's new releases) *15% OFF ALL BOARD GAMES & RPGs  *15% OFF ALL APPAREL   Click here for the FACEBOOK event details.

Third Eye Comics | 45 Old Solomons Island Rd | Suite 102 | Annapolis | MD | 21401

Cartoons & Cocktails coverage

Cartoons & Cocktails and the Full Monty
By Betsy Rothstein
Mediabistro.com's FishbowlDC blog October 21, 2011
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/cartoons-cocktails-and-the-full-monty_b53983

I was fortunate enough to be the guest of Nate Beeler and bought some cartoons myself.

Publisher's Weekly on local cartoonists

John Gallagher photographer here:

Kids' Comics: Small but Mighty at NYCC 2011
By Brigid Alverson
Oct 18, 2011
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/49157-kids--comics-small-but-mighty-at-nycc-2011.html

Book that Richard Thompson and Ben Hatke are profiled in here:

First Second Comics Anthology Updates Classic Nursery Rhymes
By Ada Price
Oct 20, 2011
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/49198-first-second-comics-anthology-updates-classic-nursery-rhymes.html

Bob Artley, 1917-2011

George Robert Artley ( Bob Artley) husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, author cartoonist, illustrator and commercial artist passed away at his home in Akron, Ohio on Friday, October 21, 2011. He was 94 years old.

 Bob, the first born of George Denison Artley and Elsie Louise (Crow) Artley was born on the family farm 5 miles west of Hampton, IA  on July 1^st 1917.

 Bob has been a commercial artist, cartoonist, writer and in the last thirty years has published over 14 books, all but one dealing with issues on the farm, most of them concentrated on the first half of the 20^th century.  One book " Ginny, A Love Remembered" focused on the life and subsequent death of his first wife, from Alzheimer's Disease. He was probably best know for his editorial cartoons at the Des Moines Tribune, and Worthington Globe, and for his feature panel, "Memories of a Former Kid" many of  which still appear in publications throughout the United States.

Bob attended country school in and around the Hampton area through the 1920's. After passing his eighth grade country school exams, he went on to Hampton High School where he graduated in 1935. During High School, Bob took a special interest in art, and particularly in editorial cartooning. His cartoons were featured in high school and local publications, which led to his being mentored by the great J.N. "Ding" Darling.

After high school, he continued his education at Grinell College. He was inducted into the U.S. Army at the beginning of America's entry into WWII. He served in the medical corps as a laboratory Technician, and was being trained to be part of the invasion force when the war ended. While in the Army in 1943, he met and married fellow lab technician and WAAC Virginia E. Moore, of Southfork ,PA.

Bob returned to civilian life in 1946 and returned to the farm of his childhood where he farmed with his father. In 1950 he returned to college on the GI Bill of rights at the State University of Iowa, (U of Iowa) where he receive his BA in 1951.

In 1952 through 1957 he was employed as an editorial cartoonist with the Des Moines Tribune. After that he became a commercial artist with Nelson Advertizing Agency and later Plain Talk Publishing , both of Des Moines. Bob was active in the Des Moines and surrounding area arts communities. He was a member of the Des Moines Art Center, taught art classes, conducted numerous "chalk talks" at various schools and civic functions, and mentored local aspiring artists. During the 1960's, he also drew a regular feature that accompanied the weather report on WHO-TV's evening news.

In 1967 he, his wife and his two younger children moved to Adrian Minn. Where they published a small town newspaper, The Nobles County Review. After a short period of time they purchased a building in Adrian and began The Print Shop, a commercial printing company. During 1971 he began doing some commercial and cartoon work for The Worthington Daily Globe, which eventually led to him doing exclusive cartoon work. During his time there he started a periodic and popular cartoon of life on the farm during his childhood called, "Memories of a Former Kid."  This led in 1978 to the publishing of a book by the same name. He remained at the Worthington Globe until the mid 1980's.

After his retirement, he continued drawing feature panels that were syndicated by Extra Newspaper Features Syndicate based at the Rochester Post Bulletin in Rochester, MN. He also began writing his other books, including Memories of a Former Kid, Christmas on the Farm, Ginny, Country School and many more too numerous to mention. Many of his first books were published through Iowa State University Press, and later by Pelican Publishing in New Orleans. Bob's book "Ginny, a Love Remembered" was endorsed by the Altzheimer's Disease Association and contained a Foreword by Princess Yasmin Aga Khan, who was active in Altzheimer's disease awareness, as her mother — 1940's movie actress Rita Hayworth suffered from the illness. His last book, Memories of a Farm Kitchen — co-authored with his son Rob, was released in the autumn of 2010.  Several of his books are still in print. His books have netted a substantial fan base in farming communities throughout the U.S. and Canada, and even among rural regions of Europe.

Throughout the entire country, in banks, schools, libraries and now in the Smithsonian, one may find his work. It has been a study in life on the farm in the first years of the previous century. Up into the 1990's Bob made appearances on local talk shows, including two interviews on the Twin Cities' popular Boone & Erickson Show broadcast by WCCO (Minneapolis).

Bob is survived by his wife Margaret, Rob M. Artley of Rochester MN., Steven G. Artley of Alexandria VA, Joan (Artley) Sterner of St. Paul MN as well as 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife Ginny and his oldest daughter Jeannie.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Steven G. Artley,

President

Studio: 571-312-2382

artleytoons

Artley Design Inc.

www.artleytoons.com

Oct 21: Ben Hatke at Politics and Prose

Richard Thompson cancelled due to illness.

Oct 21: Ben Hatke at Politics and Prose

Ben Hatke - Nursery Rhyme Comics
Start: Oct 21 2011 7:00 pm
End: Oct 21 2011 8:00 pm
Friday, October 21, 7 p.m. This ingenious pairing of fifty classic nursery rhymes with pictures by today's leading comic artists puts a colorful spin on Mother Goose. Join us for a reading and discussion by Hatke, who took on "Pussycat, Pussycat, Where Have You Been?" All ages.

Jan Eliot of Stone Soup on her Library of Congress exhibit inclusion

Click here to read Jan's opinion about her early work being included in the new Library of Congress exhibit.

Oct 22: Justin Jordan at Beyond Comics

In Store Signing
Saturday October 22nd
12noon to 3pm

Meet Justin Jordan Creator of

The Strange Talent of Luther Strode

At Beyond Comics
Frederick Location

PR: Illustrator Brad Holland to Speak at Montgomery College Art Opening Nov. 3

Illustrator Brad Holland to Speak at Montgomery College Art Opening Nov. 3

Washington, DC, Oct. 20, 2011 – Internationally acclaimed illustrator and artists' rights advocate

Brad Holland will present a slide lecture of his work on November 3 entitled "Confessions of a Short

Order Artist," followed by a Q & A on important copyright issues affecting visual artists.

 

The program follows the opening reception for "Off the Page – On the Wall," an exhibit of recent

artwork by area illustrators, sponsored by the Illustrators Club of Washington DC, Maryland and

Virginia, at the Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, 930 King Street, Silver Spring,

Maryland 20910.

The reception takes place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and the lecture from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Both events

are open to the public: the reception is free, while general admission for the lecture is $15.

 

Brad Holland is one of the most influential illustrators of the 20th Century.

The New York Times, in

nominating him for a Pulitzer Prize, wrote that his work goes "beyond the moment to illuminate a

general condition universal in space and time. The images are sometimes brutal, but the feeling is

almost always compassionate." The Washington Post has called him "an undisputed star of American

Illustration," and the editors of RSVP, the artists' directory, voted him "the one artist, who in our

opinion, has had the single greatest impact on the illustration field during the last twenty five years."

 

Writing in Print magazine, critic Steven Heller concluded, "as [Jackson] Pollock redefined plastic art,

Holland has radically changed the perception of illustration."

 

In recent years, Brad Holland has emerged as the seminal voice illuminating the complex and shifting

business landscape for illustrators and their diminishing control over their copyrights and businesses.

He is one of the founders of the Illustrators' Partnership of America (IPA), the first organization in

the history of American visual authorship to seek to implement a rational collective rights clearance

administration for illustrators' copyrights. (More at http://www.asip-repro.org/holland_bio.html )

 

The Illustrators Club of DC, MD & VA is a non-profit, all-volunteer trade association founded in

1986, dedicated to promoting the art and industry of illustration and ensuring fair business practices.

Its 100+ members include professional illustrators, graphic designers, educators, students, vendors

and related businesses. (More at http://www.illustratorsclub.org )

###

PR: Anime USA 2011 proudly announces our final round of webcomics guests

Anime USA 2011 proudly announces our final round of webcomics guests

Anime USA 2011 announces Tamuran and Shadowbinders as webcomics guest for this year's convention on November 18-20th at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. 

H. A. "Chezhnian" Kennedy and Erin Fitzgerald (left) are the respective creator/writer and artist/co-writer of Tamuran, a manga-style epic fantasy webcomic. Tamuran is the story of a young royal heir suddenly turned king-in-exile and his quest to save his kingdom from the country of powerful, grudge-bearing sorcerers that has taken it over. The young king must travel far across the wilds of his dying land, accompanied only by a few unlikely and unexpected protectors - who include a wild elf whose entire clan has mysteriously disappeared, a shapeshifting girl from a magical ascended race who knows little of the mortal world, and a huge man-eating forest beast with an academic bent. Their comic can be found at www.tamurancomic.com

Created by former Disney comics alumn Thom Pratt (drawing under the pen name of "Kneon Transitt") and his wife Kambrea Pratt, the  Shadowbinders  webcomic set sail online in 2010 and hasn't slowed down since.  Shadowbinders  has found an audience in fans of steampunk, anime and young adult literature, in addition to fans of traditional comic books. The comic can be read online for free at  www.shadowbinders.com , and a print collection will be available this Fall. Their comic can be found at www.shadowbinders.com

Registrations are at $43 until October 30th along with further information about the con can be found at  www.animeusa.org . 

About Anime USA: In  1999   Anime USA  began as a northern Virginia convention started by fans, and in  2004  become a non-profit educational organization. Our mission is to educate the public about and promote Japanese arts and popular culture. As in the beginning, we remain a convention of fans, by fans, and for fans. Anime USA is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization.

 

 

USA Today on the CDC's zombie preps

The CDC zombies return with a new comic book
By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY October 18 2011
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/story/2011-10-18/Get-ready-for-return-of-the-CDC-zombies/50819314/1

Weldon on Murakami's Stargazing Dog

Be Warned, Dog Lovers: The Cover of this Wildly Popular Manga is Lying to You
by Glen Weldon
National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (October 19, 2011)
http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/10/19/141451112/be-warned-dog-lovers-the-cover-of-this-wildly-popular-manga-is-lying-to-you

Cartoonists remember Herblock at Comic Riffs

HERBLOCK TRIBUTE: Remembering The Post's cartooning legend a decade after his death
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comics Riffs blog October 18 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/herblock-tribute-remembering-the-posts-cartooning-legend-a-decade-after-his-death/2011/10/18/gIQAskZzvL_blog.html#pagebreak

Comic Riffs also looked at a Bluewater comic book about currrent events:

'HUNT FOR BIN LADEN' COMIC: New Bluewater/Simon & Schuster book seeks 'Jason Bourne' tension
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 19 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/hunt-for-bin-laden-comic-new-bluewatersimon-and-schuster-book-seeks-jason-bourne-tension/2011/10/19/gIQADaabxL_blog.html#pagebreak

Herblock profiled in Post today

Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Herb Block recalled by friends, colleagues at The Post
By Russell Frank, October 19, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/prize-winning-editorial-cartoonist-herb-block-recalled-by-friends-colleagues-at-the-post/2011/09/16/gIQAp9rMvL_story.html

Express on real-life 'superheroes'

Remember when parents used to try to get Superman banned because they thought kids would jump off the roof with a cape?  Well, now society has devolved to the point that people really have to worry about that...

Associated Press.  2011.
The Justice League: Masked vigilantes aspire to save the day, but the trend is triggering alarm.
Express (October 18): 11

Oct 22: "The Mechanics Of Seduction" The Solo show of Glenn Arthur This Saturday

Not quite comics, but a Heavy Metal aesthetic surely..

	THIS SATURDAY "The Mechanics of Seduction" The Solo Show of Glenn Arthur With Special Musical Performance by MATEO MONK Complimentary Wine Courtesy by Wine District Glenn Arthur's "The Mechanics Of Seduction" is a series of paintings exploring the fascination, power and sensuality found within the human machine. Inspired by an era defined by industrial enlightenment and artistic innovation, Glenn fuses together a fanciful blend of elaborate and historical aesthetics. Each delicately painted female entices the viewer through mechanical elements while alluring them with hypnotic beauty into a world of ornate elegance wrapped in a cloak of disquieting surrealism. The juxtaposition of organic emotion and unfeeling apparatus demonstrates the unyielding, seductive romance between human and machine reminding us of the inherent desires that fuel us all. Saturday, October 22nd, from 8-11pm Location: Art Whino Gallery 120 American Way National Harbor, MD 20745 Reception begins at 8pm Show end date: November 13th The event is FREE and open to the public. About the Artist Glenn Arthur is a self taught visual artist from Orange County, California. Born in February of 1979, he grew up in a conservative, religious household with little to no influence in art. After shedding his roots he quickly realized that creating art would be his calling. Although he constantly doodled and sketched throughout his youth, Glenn did not come into painting until later in life when a friend forced a paintbrush into his hands and said, "You need to do this!"  Since then Glenn has been diligently working on creating his own brand of beautifully painted images. Using acrylic paints on wooden panels, he adds in elements and influential symbols of his past and present to each piece. Beyond the aesthetics of his artwork, Glenn brings an overwhelming sense of passion to his paintings. Touching on themes of love, death, conflict and duality, Glenn's art tells stories of strength and hope through emotion and sentiment with his sensual beauties and signature hummingbirds.  Mateo Monk is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, adept at many styles of world roots music.  With twenty years of performing experience, his live shows are an exciting musical journey around the globe, exploring the rhythms of jazz, bossa nova, reggae, hindustani raga, bluegrass, soul and funk.  Performing solo on the guitar, flute, melodica, and vocals, Mateo utilizes a "looper" pedal to create fully textured rhythms, adorned with virtuosic melodic musings, all seamlessly woven into the song form in real time.  It's a modern spin on the iconic idea of the "one man band", executed by a one-of-a-kind artist with deep emotional sensibility and dazzling instrumental finesse. Mateo spent six years in Boulder leading an original reggae/soul fusion band called Natural Kingdom with some success. While opening for the legendary reggae band Culture, he was "discovered" by acclaimed reggae producer Georges Kouakou and proceeded to record his first solo release entitled "Guidance and Protection" at Lion and Fox Studios in Washington DC. Georges co-produced several of African reggae superstar Alpha Blondy's groundbreaking records, including the "Jerusalem" album, and he has toured with many reggae greats including Culture, Burning Spear and the Wailers. While recording the record, Mateo also had the pleasure of working with Junior Marvin of Bob Marley and the Wailers. "Guidance and Protection" was picked up by the French record label Sankofa Blackstar and has received international airplay as well as frequent rotation on XM Radio in the US. In the fall of 2004, Mateo played a two week, multi-city tour throughout France with The Viceroys and Clinton Fearon of the Gladiators to promote the disc. After the tour, Mateo decided to settle in the Washington DC area to take advantage of the new set of connections and opportunities that recording the album had brought about. Since being in DC, he has been a member of four bands, One Night Stand featuring Walter Tate on sax (8/03 to 8/04), THC featuring Dezzy Hyson of Culture and Mojanya (8/04 to 12/05), The Kleen Kut Reggae Band from Liberia (12/05 to 10/9 with gaps), and currently, The Archives. He has also done plenty of freelance gigs, working in the studio and/or onstage with several notable artists, including Alpha Blondy, Junior Marvin, Thievery Corporation, and Ruth A. Brown. He is currently recording an album with the Archives that is being produced by Eric Hilton of the Thievery Corporation to be released under ESL Record's new ESL Dub-plate label. He is also in the process of producing two solo albums, one acoustic and one fully arranged electric disc. Lastly, Mateo regularly performs solo utilizing looping technology and blending together a wide variety of genres and influences.

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Art Whino 120 American Way National Harbor, Maryland 20745 US

Finder cited as Independent Comic for the 21st century

Signposts, 2000-2011; or, What is "Independent Comics" in the 21st Century? (Part 2)

by Charles Hatfield

My buddy Charles has some interesting things to say about Carla Speed McNeil's Finder, even if he does briefly seem a bit too fixated on the webcomic part of it, given that Carla put out a couple of dozen issues in print before moving to the web.

Oct 20: Cartoons and Cocktails editorial cartoon auction

From their website:

The 24th annual Cartoons and Cocktails event is going to be better than ever!

Tickets for the 2011 Cartoons and Cocktails event are NOW ON SALE! For the first time, this year's event will be held at the NEWSEUM's Knight Conference Center, at the world's first interactive museum of news. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue overlooking the U.S. Capitol and National Gallery of Art, this is a special opportunity to enjoy one of the best views of downtown Washington D.C. while bidding on highly-collectible editorial art.

Just announced: Also on exhibit this year will be Cartoonists Remember 9/11, the work of more than 90 artists that who dedicated their Sunday, September 11, comic strips to those who lost their lives in the attack. This view-only display features some of America's most popular and beloved comic-strip characters.

The silent auction is 6 pm and the live auction at 7 pm.

Oct 20: Kevin Rechin, Meet the Artist

"Meet the Artist" on Thursday, October 13th at 7 pm at ArtSpace Falls Church, 410 S. Maple Avenue. Kevin Rechin's work in illustration and cartooning will appear October 20th until October 30th also at ArtSpace Falls Church.  Kevin's reception and "Meet the Artist" program will be also be on October 20th, all are welcome.

lifted from the comments here. Kevin's taken over the artwork on his father's strip, Crock.

Nov 16: Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author Event at Politics & Prose!

Enjoy a snow day at Politics & Prose with Jeff Kinney, author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid This is a ticketed event. Please note: tickets are available only at the store and may not be reserved by phone.  Click here for more details. Please call the Children and Teens' Department at (202)364-1919 with questions.   Wednesday, November 16, 2011 Join us at 3:00 p.m., when we'll start our own blizzard with a snow-making machine.    Mr. Kinney will speak at 4:00 p.m.

Jerry Craft, cartoonist of 'A is for Anacostia'

            

Interview: Jerry Craft, Creator of Mama's Boyz

By JMcManus, BLOGCRITICS.ORG

October 17, 2011

http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/blogcritics/article/Interview-Jerry-Craft-Creator-of-Mama-s-Boyz-2222285.php

 

In this interview, he talks about children's books he's done and notes, "And Dr. Courtney Davis wanted to teach people about all of the great things about where she lives with A is for Anacostia, a really cool community outside of Washington, DC."

Comic Riffs interviews GoAnimate

GoAnimate goes political: You can make and post your own election-season cartoons
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 17 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/goanimate-goes-political-make-and-post-your-own-election-season-cartoons-here/2011/10/17/gIQAqptJrL_blog.html#pagebreak

Ellen Forney visited Towson, MD recently

Q&A with cartoonist Ellen Forney
— Compiled by Megan Flannery
Towson University's The Towerlight 16 October 2011
http://www.thetowerlight.com/2011/10/qa-with-cartoonist-ellen-forney/

City Paper on Sfar's movie

Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life at West End Cinema
Monday, October 17
By Jonathan L. Fischer
Washington City Paper October 14, 2011, p. 54
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/41607/gainsbourg-a-heroic-life-at-west-end-cinema/

He liked it, as opposed to the Post reviewer.

PR: Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave. SE
Washington DC   20540

October 14, 2011 

Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115, mkenn@loc.gov

Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications

Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2012-2013 academic year.  Applications are due by close of business on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, and notification will occur in the spring.          

The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon.  Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the advisory board may elect to make multiple, smaller awards.

A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library's extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work.  Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.

Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation's website www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swannhome.html or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master's or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico.  The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D.  Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility. 

The applicant's research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon.  There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered.  To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.

Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.

The Swann Foundation Fellowship in Caricature and Cartoon is one of a small number of scholarly fellowships that provide direct support for continuing graduate research in the field.  It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists' work.  For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members.  The foundation's activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world.  New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.

# # #

PR11-198
10/14/11
ISSN: 0731-3527

 

Zadzooks reviews Batman: Year One cartoon

Zadzooks: Batman: Year One review (Blu-ray)
By Joseph Szadkowski
The Washington Times October 16, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/oct/16/zadzooks-batman-year-one-review-blu-ray/

Truitt on Alpha Girl, Mind the Gap, and Pilot Season

NYCC: Jim McCann gets supernatural with 'Mind the Gap'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 14 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-14/NYCC-Jim-McCann-announces-Mind-the-Gap/50774296/1

NYCC: 'Alpha Girl' pits punky youngster vs. female zombies

By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 16 2011

http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-15/Alpha-Girl-series-stars-a-punk-girl-and-female-zombies/50785500/1

'Pilot Season' Week 2: Visit sci-fi 'City of Refuge'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 11 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-11/Top-Cows-Pilot-Season-visits-the-sci-fi-City-of-Refuge/50734970/1

Ted Rall's in DC with protestors

...and he's enjoying himself -

STOP DEMANDING DEMANDS: Connecting the Revolutionary Dots in Occupied Washington
by Ted Rall
10/13/2011
http://www.uexpress.com/tedrall/?uc_full_date=20111013

New Carolyn Belefski interview online

Interview: Carolyn Belefski
John Michael Helmer
– October 15, 2011
http://comicbookinterviews.com/2011/10/interview-carolyn-belefski/

Post on healthcare reform comic book

Everything you wanted to know about health reform, in one comic book
by Sarah Kliff
Washington Post's Ezra Klein Wonkblog 10/11/2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-health-reform-in-one-comic-book/2011/10/11/gIQAN4AzcL_blog.html

Do you like comic books with CBO scores, two-headed alligators and health economist superheroes? Then has Jonathan Gruber got a graphic novel for you... Gruber's forthcoming comic book, "Health Care Reform: What It Is, Why It's Necessary, How It Works."

Comic Riffs on Pearls Before Swine's Cul de Sac tribute

Stephan Pastis' support for Team Cul de Sac -

ALICE BEFORE 'SWINE': Pastis' magnificent 'Cul de Sac' mash-up is our Cartoon of the Day
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 15 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/alice-before-swine-pastis-magnificent-cul-de-sac-mash-up-is-our-cartoon-of-the-day/2011/10/15/gIQAGyWQlL_blog.html

Examiner on Thor 2's director

An interesting director for 'Thor 2' and Noir City DC [in print as Noir City DC takes stage at AFI; a new direction for 'Thor 2', October 16, p. 20]
By: Kelly Jane Torrance
Washington Examiner 10/15/11 : http://washingtonexaminer.com/entertainment/2011/10/interesting-director-thor-2-and-noir-city-dc

Review of Warren Bernard's Drawing Power: A Compendium of Cartoon Advertising 1870s - 1940s

The History of Cartoon Advertising
by Rob Hardy
Columbus MS Dispatch Rob Hardy on Books blog October 14, 2011
http://www.cdispatch.com/robhardy/article.asp?aid=13533

Truitt on Captain Brooklyn

NYCC: The borough gets a hero with 'Captain Brooklyn'
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 15 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-15/Borough-gets-a-hero-in-Captain-Brooklyn-comic-series/50785474/1

Bob Staake's Style Invitational contest results

The Post's contest for recaptioning pages of cartoonist Bob Staake's children's books reveals its winners today.

Post notes Tunisian protests of Persepolis for the record

Protesters attack home of Tunisian TV head that aired 'Persepolis'
[much shorter version in print as Police fire tear gas at Islamic protesters, October 15].
By Associated Press, October 14 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/tunisian-police-use-tear-gas-to-disperse-thousands-protesting-over-persepolis-broadcast/2011/10/14/gIQAsZp8jL_story.html

Post on The Walking Dead tv show

'Dead's' survivors walk on in a sleeker, scarier return [online title: 'The Walking Dead' comes back to life for second season on AMC].
By Hank Stuever,
Washington Post October 16 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/television/hank-stuever-the-walking-dead-comes-back-to-life/2011/10/10/gIQAEhQsjL_story.html

Post profiles Joann Sfar

Comic-book creator animates a French icon [online title: 'Gainsbourg' highlights outrageous side of French icon]
By John DeFore
Washington Post October 16 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/joann-sfars-gainsbourg-highlights-outrageous-side-of-french-icon/2011/10/11/gIQAXbOtjL_story.html

Theodore Belland's death notice

THEODORE RICHARD BELLAND death notice
(Age 93) 
Washington Post on October 2, 2011
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=theodore-r-belland&pid=153899044

The cartoonist I wasn't familiar with. As far as I can tell, the obituary I linked to a few days ago, did not appear in the Virginia editions of the Post, but this death notice did. Thanks to Bill Cogswell for tracking it down.

Miami Herald on Richard Thompson and Cul de SAc

Battling deadlines and Parkinson's with a quill and chatty kids
By Lomi Kriel
lkriel@MiamiHerald.com
Miami Herald October 14 2011
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/12/2453854/battling-deadlines-and-parkinsons.html

Post doesn't like Sfar's Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life

French singer comes off flat
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post Oct 14, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/movies/gainsbourg-a-heroic-life,1205839/critic-review.html

Truitt on Henson's Storyteller

Henson legacy lives on in 'Storyteller' graphic novel
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-12/jim-henson-storyteller/50745364/1

Local labor cartoonist Theodore Belland has died

Theodore R. Belland, cartoonist
T. Rees Shapiro
Washington Post October 12 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/theodore-r-belland-cartoonist/2011/10/12/gIQAxvyxfL_story.html

Truitt on Spider-Man movie toys

New Spidey figure spins in for New York Comic-Con
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY October 12 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/story/2011-10-12/New-Spider-Man-action-figure-debuts-at-New-York-Comic-Con/50745152/1

Comic Riffs interviews Lauren Redniss

'RADIOACTIVE' MAKES HISTORY: 'Curie' author shares shock over becoming National Book Award finalist
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog October 13 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/radioactive-makes-history-curie-author-shares-shock-over-becoming-national-book-award-finalist/2011/10/12/gIQA9fzphL_blog.html

I like Lauren Redniss' work - she used to do regular features for the NY Times editorial page before shifting over to these biographies.

PR: WHAM! BAM! ISLAM! on PBS - online screening of THE 99 and live chat tomorrow

I am sending this as-is because they sent me a screening copy that I haven't had a chance to watch yet. Mea culpa.

 It airs at remarkably inconvenient times in our area  - Howard University's channel seems to be your best bet.

 

Sunday, October 16  —  1:00am  26 - WETA

Saturday, October 22  —  8:00pm 32 - WHUT

Sunday, October 23  —  12:00am  32 - WHUT

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

PBS's Independent Lens To Host Online

Screening of THE 99, the First Animated Muslim Superheroes

 

Join Creator Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and Wham! Bam! Islam! Director Isaac Solotaroff for Exclusive Screening and Q&A on October 14th

San Francisco, CA (October 12, 2011)— Can a team of superheroes from the Muslim world called THE 99 challenge Western prejudices, stem the tide of extremism, provide positive role models for Muslim children, and make a profit as well? THE 99, a comic book and animated television series, featuring the first animated Muslim superheroes, might be able to do just that.

On Friday, October 14th, 2011 at 11:00 AM PST/ 2:00 PM ET PBS's Independent Lens will present on its Livestream page, an exclusive online screening of the animated series in advance of its international television premiere in early 2012. The 45-minute event will feature episode 10: The Sphinx and a Q&A with THE 99 creator Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa and Isaac Solotaroff  director of the  PBS Independent Lens documentary Wham! Bam! Islam! 

Airing tonight, Thursday, October 13 at 10 PM (check local listings) Wham! Bam! Islam!, traces the tumultuous journey behind the creation of THE 99 as Dr. Al-Mutawa runs up against suspicion from Muslims and the harsh realities of the global marketplace. The documentary will be available for download on iTunes beginning October 14 and for a limited time on PBS video after its television premiere.

 

About episode 10: The Sphinx: When evil mastermind Rughal is attacked by a masked intruder called Sphinx, he's so impressed by her power that he recruits her to his team of super-villains. Sphinx's first mission is to settle a long-standing score with Cat or Mumita The Destroyer, a leading member of Dr. Ramzi's 99 team. But who exactly is Sphinx and what is her mysterious connection with Rughal's second-in-command, Blackwolf?

 

THE 99 has been produced in full 3D CGI by Endemol UK in association with Teshkeel Media, with the animation work being completed in India by Sanraa Media. The series is scheduled to premiere across the Middle East, in Australia, and several other countries in early 2012. There is no date set for the series to be on-air in the USA. To learn more about the film and the issues involved, visit the companion website for Wham! Bam! Islam! at www.pbs.org/independentlens/wham-bam-islam/.

 

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