June 1: Aspen Comics creators Krul and Hernandez at Game! On Comics in Vienna

Exclusive Signing Event tomorrow! Saturday, from 12-4pm

Do not miss this rare opportunity to meet some great comic writers/creators!   THIS SATURDAY! June 1st, 2013   From 12-4pm Join us as we welcome writers/creators of Charismagic and Jirni! J.T. Krul, writer of Jirni, Soulfire, Fathom, Teen Titans, Green Arrow  Vince Hernandez, writer of Charismagic, Executive Assistants You will not want to miss this day!  Bring out your comics and have them signed by these writers.  We will have some in stock for purchase also.  The first issues of Jirni and Charismagic are only $1!  Not only that but we have an exclusive Game On! Comics cover from each writer!         Comes with our famous awesome environment for playing Heroclix! www.GameOnComics.com  310 Dominion RD NE, Vienna, VA 22180

More on Trudeau's new tv show in The Post

Amazon greenlights Trudeau political satire 'Alpha House' into full TV series [in print as 'A new 'House' in the queue: Amazon greenlights Trudeau political comedy]

By Emily Yahr,

Washington Post May 30 2012

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/amazon-greenlights-trudeau-political-satire-alpha-house-into-full-tv-series/2013/05/29/80c204e8-c2f6-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.html

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Jack Dorsey

by Mike Rhode on May. 31, 2013

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/visual-arts/2013/05/31/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-jack-dorsey/

Last weekend for Big Nate musical

Final Weekend Saturday at 11am (limited tickets), 2pm & 4:30pm Sunday at 11am & 2pm

EVEN MORE LOVE from Parents and kids alike: "The peals of laughter erupting from my grandson tell the whole story! He loved it." "FABULOUS!!! A wonderful show and the cast was AMAZING!" "Brought my two kids (son, 11 and daughter, 8). My son giggled nonstop, start to finish. He loves Big Nate. My daughter sat mesmorized." "He couldn't get the "Big Nate" out of his head all weekend!" "My son loves the book series and was thrilled with the show." "He loved seeing one of his favorite book series come to life in front of him. He performs in your summer program so loves watching the pros for inspiration."

Cartoonist Rights Network profiled

Art to Die For: Cartoonists at Risk and Their Defenders; An interview with Robert Russell, founder of Cartoonists Rights Network International.
by Olivia Stransky    /  May 15, 2013
http://www.sampsoniaway.org/interviews/2013/05/15/art-to-die-for-cartoonists-at-risk-and-their-defenders/

It's based in Northern Virginia...

Weldon on Superman and pre-Christian Beatlemania

This is a fun one...

 

My Favorite Superman Story: When Jimmy Olsen Created Beatlemania

 by Glen Weldon

 National Public Radio's Monkey See blog May 30, 2013

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/05/30/187276981/my-favorite-superman-story-when-jimmy-olsen-created-beatlemania

Former Washington Redskin has Kickstarter comic book campaign

Ken Harvey has a Kickstarter to make a comic book about FloatBall

 By Dan Steinberg,

Washington Post's DC Sports Blog May 28, 2013

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-sports-bog/wp/2013/05/28/ken-harvey-has-a-kickstarter-to-make-a-comic-book-about-floatball/

Doonesbury on vacation, Brian Crane happy, according to Comic Riffs

THIS JUST IN: 'Doonesbury' to go on sabbatical as Amazon Studios officially picks up Trudeau's Capitol Hill comedy, 'Alpha House'
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 29 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/this-just-in-doonesbury-to-go-on-sabbatical-as-amazon-studios-officially-picks-up-trudeaus-capitol-hill-comedy-alpha-house/2013/05/29/3aba59ee-c866-11e2-9245-773c0123c027_blog.html#pagebreak

'PICKLES' ' BIG WIN: Creator Brian Crane reflects on inspiration, affirmation — and almost letting his dream die in his desk
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog May 28 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/comic-riffs/post/pickles--big-win-creator-brian-crane-reflects-on-inspiration-affirmation--and-almost-letting-his-dream-die-in-his-desk/2013/05/28/94c766b8-c80f-11e2-9f1a-1a7cdee20287_blog.html#pagebreak

Library of Congress Magazine features Gibson Girls

The new Library of Congress Magazine (Vol. 2 No. 3: May-June 2013) features the Gibson Girls and other cartoons by Charles Dana Gibson in an article by the Library's Martha Kennedy. It's downloadable here.

 

The "Gibson Girl" set the archetype for young women at the start of the last century and was the epitome of illustration style for two decades. Also, the struggles for women's suffrage, celebrating Danny Kaye and Sylvia Fine and the high-tech cloning of a Stradivari violin.

The Post supresses Barney & Clyde

Alan Gardner caught that The Post wouldn't run their own columnist's comic strip this past Monday. Gene Weingarten's response can be seen here.

'Star Trek Problems' strip

D.C.-area cartoonist Chris Piers is having fun with some head-scratchers in the Star Trek franchise through his online comic strip "Star Trek Problems."

The Post reviews 'Big Nate,' interviews 'Epic' voice actor and a child animation blogger

'Big Nate' travels outside comic strip borders in affable Adventure Theatre musical
By Celia Wren, Sunday, May 26, 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/big-nate-travels-outside-comic-strip-borders-in-affable-adventure-theatre-musical/2013/05/26/f7ea3cde-c62f-11e2-9245-773c0123c027_story.html

Pitbull on music, Jennifer Lopez and 'Epic' [in print as A rapper's 'Epic' performance']
By Zorianna Kit / Reuters,
Washington Post  May 26 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/pitbull-on-music-jennifer-lopez-and-epic/2013/05/23/bc108dbc-c314-11e2-914f-a7aba60512a7_story.html

7-year-old turns his love of film into a blog [in print as 'A mind for movies: McLean 7-year-old writes a blog to share love of the big screen].
 Moira E. McLaughlin,
Washington Post  May 26 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/boy-turns-his-love-of-film-into-a-movie-review-blog/2013/05/23/897d899c-c173-11e2-bfdb-3886a561c1ff_story.html

That darn Clay Bennett

Letter to the Editor: Three blows with one swing
Katalin H. Korossy, Kensington
Washington Post May 25 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/three-hits-with-one-shot/2013/05/24/5902b0b6-bf03-11e2-b537-ab47f0325f7c_story.html

Cartoons and pencil sharpeners

I met Bob Cantor at a party yesterday. Bob collects toy pencil sharpeners and then paints them as subjects of oil paintings. Of relevance to us here is his subcollection of cartoon pencil sharpeners.

June 7: Krissy Downing's new exhibit

Krissy Downing, a member of the local comics collaborative the D.C. Conspiracy, will have her new paintings exhibited the The Dunes art gallery in Washington, D.C. It's opening is June 7 at 7 p.m. Here's a brief description of the show: "PARADIGM: An Evolution Imagined" was born from a loose, gestural session of sketching and then analyzed and honed through a series of tighter and tighter drawings until the narrative revealed itself. The resulting collection of paintings represents the artist’s personal theories related to the future of our world (as it might evolve beyond humanity) and the metamorphoses of life and design as the universe matures."

Fantastic Forum Interview with comics writer Justin Jordan

DC's comics videographer Ulysses Campbell sends in:

I just got this JUSTIN JORDAN interview up.  He is the talented writer of Image Comics' LEGEND OF LUTHER STRODE and Valiant Comics' SHADOWMAN.  Please check it out and feel free to post it in your blog!

Fantastic Forum Interview with Justin Jordan               http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca6lmwn5s48

Ulysses E. Campbell

Executive Producer

The Comic, Science Fiction & Fantasy fan's FANTASTIC FORUM

DCTV

901 Newton Street, NE

Washington, DC  20017

(202) 213-6622

www.fantasticforum.tv

June 13: Minicomicker Rachel Scheer at One More Page Books

Thurs, June 13 at 7 pm: Local writer and collector Rachel Scheer leads a dynamic discussion about the autobiographical comics genre. Guests are invited to participate in a question-and-answer session and a brief drawing and writing activity.

 

One More Page Books is in Arlington, on the edge of Falls Church.

The Post reviews Epic cartoon

'Epic' movie review
By Michael O'Sullivan,
Washington Post May 24 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/epic-movie-review/2013/05/22/7c620b86-c176-11e2-bfdb-3886a561c1ff_story.html

'Kidd Cobbler' online comic

Local comics writer Kevin Panetta (who also manages Big Planet Comics in Vienna, Va., and is one of the organizers of the Small Press Expo) this week launched "Kidd Cobbler," an online comic with artist Coleman Engle. "Kidd Cobbler is a children's adventure comic inspired by retro video games," Panetta says. "It stars Kidd Cobbler and his hapless 'hero' of a brother."

May 25: Five Ghosts creators at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis

THIS SATURDAY 5/25/13 SIGNING FROM 11AM to 1PM First 25 in Line Receive a Very Special FREE Gift Created Especially For This Event! Greetings Third Eye Faithful! We've got a signing we're extra-excited about this weekend, with the creators of FIVE GHOSTS: HAUNTING OF FABIAN GRAY making a special stop at Third Eye to sign copies of their red-hot new IMAGE COMICS series. I gotta tell ya, as soon as I saw the promo images of FIVE GHOSTS, I knew that this was going to turn into one of Image's biggest releases of 2013... and, sure enough, the book has blown up into the hit it deserves to be.  We're really pumped to offer you guys a chance to get to meet Frank J. Barbiere and Chris Mooneyham, the creators of FIVE GHOSTS, and get your copies signed as these rising stars are about to blow the heck up! And, 'cause Frank and Chris both have heard incredible things about how awesome Third Eye signings are, they're both pretty darn pumped to be making the trip all the way out to Maryland for this event. So, let's give them a big Third Eye reception, folks, and show 'em why Third Eye fans are the best darn comic fans in the country!  What is FIVE GHOSTS: HAUNTING OF FABIAN GRAY?   One of the freshest, most exciting new projects from IMAGE in quite some time; FIVE GHOSTS a hyper-charged, pulp-heavy trip through the filter of old school side-scrolling video games ala CASTLEVANIA, with a little bit of '70s horror comics, and Indiana Jones thrown in for good measure.   Does this sound awesome? We thought so. Keep reading :) Five Ghosts tells the tale of Fabian Gray, a treasure hunter who has a tragic encounter with a mysterious artifact known as "The Dreamstone."    Now, possessed by five literary ghosts, Fabian Gray has been granted access to the unique abilities of the Wizard, the Archer, the Samurai, the Detective, and the Vampire.    And, it's a rad thing to behold. Fabian's cornered in a dungeon, with only a dusty blade nearby? He's summoning some serious Yojimbo magic, as he slashes his way through some baddies.   Now, fighting Spider Gods, rival treasure hunters, and all sorts of demons straight out of a HP Lovecraft / Robert E. Howard collaboration, Fabian Gray serves up the best of what we love about comics.    With the series blowing up as one of Image's biggest hits, we're stoked to see that they've taken the book in the direction of an ongoing series.    PLENTY OF COPIES OF FIVE GHOSTS ISSUES 1, 2 & 3 WILL BE IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE AT OUR SIGNING THIS SATURDAY! While the first prints of issues 1 & 2 are sold out nationwide, we'll have plenty of them in stock, along with this week's issue #3 for you to snag and get signed by the creators of the series.   In addition, we'll also have the Phantom Variant of issue #3, and the 2nd PTG cover of issue #1 in stock as well for you to scoop up and get signed!      BE ONE OF THE FIRST 25 IN LINE & RECEIVE A VERY SPECIAL FREE GIFT COURTESY OF FIVE GHOSTS Creators  FRANK J. BARBIERE & CHRIS MOONEYHAM! You guys know how much we appreciate it when you show your excitement by lining up early, and we love the community aspect that our signings have built. It's really a special thing, and we're very proud of it.  So, in collaboration with Frank, we're going to be offering 25 exclusive full-size prints made just for this event. The image, which we're keeping secret, is super freakin' cool, and we really think you guys are going to love it! So, line up early, have some fun, and score a unique piece of art to put on your wall! Okay, Third Eye Faithful, we'll see you guys at the signing! We cannot wait for Frank and Chris to get to meet you guys, and find out why Third Eye fans are some of the best in the country.  If you already have your FIVE GHOSTS, feel free to bring 'em in, and get 'em signed. If not, don't worry, we'll have plenty in stock to hop you onto this incredible new IMAGE hit.

May 24: Richard Thompson on Twitter at 1:30

Richard Thompson Richard Thompson shared a link cul de sac: Twittering Machine: "http://richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com/2013/05/twittering-machine.html" cul de sac: Twittering Machine richardspooralmanac.blogspot.com

PR: The Comic Arts Festival is only days away!

Local cartoonists appearing include Carolyn Belefski, Donna Lewis and Barbara Dale...

Dan Piraro from Bizarro Quick-Draw Jam Session just released! Get your tickets! Space is limited! Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. The Comic Arts Festival is this Sunday!  May 26th, 2013 Cartoonist Appearances from 10am-5pm. Street Festival begins at Noon!  Hundreds of cartoonists are descending on downtown Pittsburgh as the city plays host to the National Cartoonists Society Conference. It is the first time the prestigious organization has been to Pittsburgh in its almost 70 year history. In conjunction with the conference, The ToonSeum will be hosting the very first Pittsburgh Comic Arts Festival on May 26th from 10am to 5pm. *Street Festival begins at noon.  The festival will feature autograph and sketch sessions with over 60 of the nations top comic artist and cartoonists including such luminaries as: Partrick McDonnell of Mutts, Lynn Johnston of For Better or Worse, Tom Richmond of MAD Magazine, Brian Walker of Beetle Bailey, Dan Piraro of Bizarro and many more. The 900 Block of Liberty Avenue downtown will become a veritable living funny pages block party with visits from Betty Boop, Popeye, Olive Oyl, Dennis the Menace, and the Care Bears. Fun vendors, art activities, chalk artists and caricaturists and will round out the festivities and help to literally draw a crowd! 10:00am-11:00am at Toonseum Jan Eliot- Stone Soup Patrick McDonnell- Mutts Brian Walker- Hi & Lois 11:00am-12:00pm at August Wilson Center Brian Crane- Pickles Greg Evans- Luann Rob Rogers- Pittsburgh Post Gazette John Rose- Barney Google and Snuffy Smith  John Stevens- Caricatoonist Carolyn Belefski- Curls 12:00pm-1:00pm at August Wilson Center Paul Fell- Paul Fell Cartoons Jeff Keane- Family Circus Bunny Hoest- The Lockhorns, Laugh Parade, Howard Huge Bill Morrison- Simpsons Comics Laurie Triefeldt- World of Wonder Sandra Bell-Lundy- Between Friends 1:00pm-2:00pm at August Wilson Center Donna Lewis- Reply All Comic Tom Richmond- Mad Magazine Mark Tatulli- Lio  Jerry Van Amerongen- Ballad Street Greg Walker- Beetle Bailey 1:15pm-2:15pm at Bricolage Women in Cartooning Panel Cathy Guisewite- Cathy  Lynn Johnston- For Better or Worse Terri Libenson- The Pajama Diaries Hilary Price- Rhymes with Orange Jen Sorensen- Slowpoke 2:00pm-3:00pm at August Wilson Center  Jason Chatfield- Ginger Meggs Barbara Dale- Dale Cards Jeff Knurek- Jumble "That Scrambled Word Game" Mo Willems- Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus  NEW EVENT! Just Added! 3:15pm-4:15pm at Bricolage Dan Piraro- Bizarro Quick-Draw Jam Session!  3:00pm-4:00m at August Wilson Center Daryll Collins- Scholastic, Highlights and Boys Life Paul Combs- Drawn by Fire John Hambrock- The Brilliant Mind of Edison Lee- King Features Bill Holbrook- On the Fast Track  Jim Horwitz- Watson Rick Kirkman- Baby Blues 5:00pm-6:00pm- at August Wilson Center  Andrew Farago- Curator, Cartoon Art Museum Michael Jantze- The Norm Mahendra Shah- "I Said it Too" Rick Stromoski- Soup to Nutz Go to http://pghcomicartsfest.com for more info!  Women in Cartooning Panel As part of the celebration "Rhymes with Orange" cartoonist Hilary Price has brought together a panel of some of the nation's best known women cartoonists including: Cathy Guisewite, Cathy Lynn Johnston, For Better or Worse Terri Libenson, Pajama Diaries and Jen Sorenson, Slowpoke 1:15-2:15pm at Bricolage http://womenincartooning .eventbrite.com VIP Comic Arts Festival Pass With your special VIP pass you are able to attend two private parties with nationally syndicated cartoonists, reserved seating for panels and much, autographed merchandise and much more!  http://comicvip .eventbrite.com Dan Piraro Quick-Draw Jam Session The Toonseum has one more trick up their sleeve with this last minute Quick-Draw Jam Session with none other then Dan Piraro! Piraro is the mastermind behind syndicated comic strip Bizarro. Watch Piraro fight against time as he creates original art right before your very eyes. 3:15pm-4:15pm at Bricolage http://piraroquickdraw .eventbrite.com              With Special Thanks to Jean Shulz 65 Years of Legends Exhibit at the Toonseum The ToonSeum, Pittsburgh's Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art will be exhibiting seven decades' worth of original art  from cartooning's highest honor, The Reuben Award.  This is the first time in the organization's history that original art from these legendary artists has been assembled in one exhibition. Rare works seldom seen by the public from artists such as Gary Larson of Far Side, Charles M. Schulz of Peanuts and many more will be displayed. The exhibit will open at 10am at the Toonseum on May 26th. Admission will is $5.00 for adults. $1.00 for children. Free under 6.  pghcomicartsfest.com  follow on Twitter | friend on Facebook | forward to a friend