Upon National Kidney Month, cartoonist launches syndicate site fueled by son’s disease
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 31 2014
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Frozen videogame review in The Post
Frozen Free Fall: Familiar, if basic, fun [online as Pass the time with Frozen Free Fall, which follows tried-and-true puzzle formats]
By Hayley Tsukayama,
Washington Post March 30 2013
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/techbit-pass-the-time-with-frozen-free-fall-which-follows-tried-and-true-puzzle-formats/2014/03/26/dd85fd78-b3b0-11e3-8cb6-284052554d74_story.htmlThat Darn Prickly City, continued
A Natural home for politics [online as,The comics have always been home to politics]
Washington Post March 29 2014, p. A13
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Ladies' Night at Fantom Comics tomorrow
Fantom Comics this Sunday is holding its second bimonthly Ladies' Night of the year from 6-9 p.m. The theme for this one will be cosplay.
"Awesome Con will be right around the corner in April, so this will be an entire evening discussing the fantastic sartorial choices available to us as comic book fans," according to Fantom's Facebook event page.
"Awesome Con will be right around the corner in April, so this will be an entire evening discussing the fantastic sartorial choices available to us as comic book fans," according to Fantom's Facebook event page.
Cohen's birds on exhibit in B'more
Local cartoonist Andrew Cohen has some of his bird drawings as part of the new "From Fur to Feathers" exhibit at the Schuler School in Baltimore.
Friday, March 28, 2014
New Big Planet shirts are coming!
New Big Planet shirts are coming!
If you would like a particular size (men's, women's, kid's), let us know so we make sure to get enough! Email vienna@bigplanetcomics.com
The Post on Mankoff and Chast
For cartoon editor, a New Yorker state of mind
By Michael Cavna, Washington Post March 29 2014
In veteran cartoonist Roz Chast’s hands, tale of aging parents is far from the same old story
The Post reviews Big Planet Comics' Greg Bennett's new (music) album
The Jet Age album review: ‘Jukebox Memoir’
By Mark Jenkins, Washington Post March 28 2014
The band is playing in DC tomorrow night at Comet Ping Pong:
Saturday, March 29th
The Jet Age, The Caribbean and Early American
$10, 10pm and All Ages at Comet Ping Pong
French cartoon reviewed in The Post
A forbidden, painted love [‘Ernest & Celestine’ movie review]
By Michael O’Sullivan,
Washington Post : March 28 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
French cartoon Ernest & Celestine reviewed by City Paper
Ernest & Celestine
By Tricia Olszewski • Washington City Paper March 28, 2014 p. 42
New book on Winsor McCay from local professor
 Wide Awake in SlumberlandFantasy, Mass Culture, and Modernism in the Art Of Winsor McCayBy Katherine Roeder240 PAGES (APPROX.), 8 1/2 X 11 INCHES, 81 B&W AND COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX 9781617039607 PRINTED CASEBINDING $60.00S  | THE FIRST STUDY TO PLACE THIS GENIUS OF MODERN COMICS CREATION IN HIS HISTORICAL CONTEXTCartoonist Winsor McCay (1869-1934) is rightfully celebrated for the skillful draftmanship and inventive design sense he displayed in the comic strips Little Nemo in Slumberland and Dream of the Rarebit Fiend. McCay crafted narratives of anticipation, abundance, and unfulfilled longing. This book explores McCay's interest in dream imagery in relation to the larger preoccupation with fantasy that dominated the popular culture of early twentieth-century urban America. McCay's role as a pioneer of early comics has been documented; yet, no existing study approaches him and his work from an art historical perspective, giving close readings of individual artworks while situating his output within the larger visual culture and the rise of modernism. From circus posters and vaudeville skits to department store window displays and amusement park rides, McCay found fantastical inspiration in New York City's burgeoning entertainment and retail districts. Wide Awake in Slumberland connects McCay's work to relevant children's literature, advertising, architecture, and motion pictures in order to demonstrate the artist's sophisticated blending and remixing of multiple forms from mass culture. Studying this interconnection in McCay's work and, by extension, the work of other early twentieth-century cartoonists, Roeder traces the web of relationships connecting fantasy, leisure, and consumption. Readings of McCay's drawings and the eighty-one black and white and color illustrations reveal a man who was both a ready participant and an incisive critic of the rising culture of fantasy and consumerism. KATHERINE ROEDER, Fairfax, Virginia, teaches courses at George Mason University. She is a contributor to The Comics of Chris Ware: Drawing Is a Way of Thinking (University Press of Mississippi) and A New Literary History of America. She is also a contributor to the Comics Journal and American Art. 240 PAGES (APPROX.), 8 1/2 X 11 INCHES, 81 B&W AND COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS, BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX |
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Diego Quintanilla
Diego Quintanilla was a new face at the first Smudge Expo
last month. He’s a college student who is studying animation and just getting
into creating minicomics. I bought his mini, and he kindly answered my usual
questions via email.
What type of comic
work or cartooning do you do?
I mostly sketch in my book, I draw for personal projects and
all that.
How do you do it?
Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
I use pens. Nothing fancy, just rollerball pens that you can
get anywhere. Sometimes I'll use Microns though.
When (within a decade
is fine) and where were you born?
I was born here in D.C. at some point in the 90s.
Why are you in
Washington now? What neighborhood or
area do you live in?
Well, I don't really live in the D.C. area, unless you count
Wheaton as part of D.C. I don't know why you would, but if you do, then there
you go. As for why, our family was living with this other Latino family in a
cramped apartment space back in D.C. and when my mom got pregnant with my
sister, that's when my parents decided to find a nice place in the suburbs.
What is your training
and/or education in cartooning?
I'm in school right now, learning all this on the go, trying
to learn things in my spare time too of course.
Who are your
influences?
I'm very influenced by films. I like movies. Arthouse films like The Holy Mountain, Brand upon the Brain.
Movies like Bad Boy Bubby and Irreversible. Like, I really love
visuals, you know? Looking at interesting things and all that, images that
provoke, something that makes you think what the symbolism behind it is. I also
like animated films too; my favorite is The
Triplets of Belleville.
If you could, what in
your career would you do-over or change?
I've just started this career, having done my first Smudge
Expo just recently, so can't really say I'd change anything.
What work are you
best-known for?
I got this comic called Tough and Stuff about a boy with two
moms. Almost half of my class knows about it (a lot of them skipped class the
day I gave out copies) along with whoever bought it at Smudge.
How can people order your comics, or do they have to buy them from you in person?
People can buy them from me in person, there is no other way.
How can people order your comics, or do they have to buy them from you in person?
People can buy them from me in person, there is no other way.
What work are you
most proud of?
I've made three comics, two are creation myths that I made
up and one a "how a jaguar lost its spots" sort of stories. I also
liked the mini comics I made. I've just started so my options are limited here.
That isn't to say I don't like my work - I just think I can go no other way
then up.
In terms of comics, I've already got two ideas in my mind.
One's about a horny lizard taking care of a fox and an episodic story about
Nollywood. I'm real excited and I hope to put them on print real soon!
What do you do when
you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I'm not sure, I guess my answer would be, "don't worry,
it comes when it comes." That's my answer to a lot of things, it doesn't
work with everyone, I know.
What do you think
will be the future of your field?
Do you mean, what will happen to me in the comic book field,
or what will happen to the comic book field? If it's the first, I'm not
expecting anything grand. I imagine myself in my sixties still selling my
comics. I think I'd be more focused on making animation, but I'm guessing I'm
getting off topic.
What local cons do
you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about
attending them?
I'm expecting to go to Small Press Expo, just as a guy looking
around and stuff, not an exhibitor.
What's your favorite
thing about DC?
The museums! I love The Museum of African Art, The Museum of
the American Indian, and The National Gallery of Art are some of my favorites.
I remember watching a whole bunch of Jan Svankmajer films which was fantastic.
This is just a personal opinion; I'm not city folk, I enjoy
the suburbs. I love D.C. but I wouldn't be in the epicenter of all the
political and social hubbbub, it would be overwhelming.
How about a favorite
local restaurant?
I don't usually eat out, but I do enjoy Los Chorros which is
in my hometown, Wheaton. Try the quesdailla or pupusas! Those are what I always
get so I can't vouch for what else is on the menu.
Do you have a website
or blog?
I have a tumblr, Essential
Avant-Garde Noise, where I post sketches, digital drawings, animations etc.
as Scrinkle: http://scrinkle.tumblr.com/
I also have a deviantart page where I post as DickQuint:
http://dickquint.deviantart.com/
(updated 3/27/2014)
(updated 3/27/2014)
Big Planet Comics of College Park has a new exterior look
Our brand new sign is up at Big Planet Comics of College Park! Thanks again to Paulina Ganucheau for the amazing design!
http://www.paulinaganucheau.com/
See Shannon Gallant's art in GI Joe #200
Here's an article about a big fan of the character...
MIGHTY Q&A: A G.I. Joe #200 Extravaganza!
CLAY N. FERNO
13th Dimension blog Mar 25, 2014
March 26: Graphic Novel Bookgroup at Politics and Prose
Hey we’re meeting tomorrow for NOWHERE MEN Volume 1.
Same place, same time: Politics and Prose, downstairs, at 7:30.
This is a great intro volume (at only $10), with great design, art and story too!
Hope to see you!
Adam
Comic on grocery bag patent suit
Cartoonist Andy Warner does some awesome historically based comics for The Nib. Here's one that has a D.C. angle: The first American woman to win a patent suit. And it happens that her invention is on display at the Smithsonian.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
April 12: Chris Visions signing - Dead Letters at Big Planet Comics
Big Planet Comics is proud to welcome local Virginia artist Chris Visions for a signing of the first issue of his new series, Dead Letters!
Dead Letters is a new crime series written by Chris Sebela published by Boom Studios. Sam wakes up in a sketchy motel room with no memory, but when thugs kick in his door he knows how to react and how to use a gun. Soon two different gangs are after him, trying to use him for a job, even as he tries to figure out who is he and where he is... And the where is the most important part!
Chris lives in Richmond, VA, and attended VCU.
Chris's website: http://www.chrisvisions.com/
Chris will also be appearing from 4-6 pm at our store in College Park, Maryland. https://www.facebook.com/events/607984869285111/
Dead Letters is a new crime series written by Chris Sebela published by Boom Studios. Sam wakes up in a sketchy motel room with no memory, but when thugs kick in his door he knows how to react and how to use a gun. Soon two different gangs are after him, trying to use him for a job, even as he tries to figure out who is he and where he is... And the where is the most important part!
Chris lives in Richmond, VA, and attended VCU.
Chris's website: http://www.chrisvisions.com/
Chris will also be appearing from 4-6 pm at our store in College Park, Maryland. https://www.facebook.com/events/607984869285111/
Shannon Gallant covers Skullkickers at Awesome Con
Shannon Gallant covers Skullkickers at Awesome Con and you can get your G.I. Joe sketches from him too!
The Art of Richard Thompson book has a sale date
The Art of Richard Thompson book has a sale date of November 4, 2014 according to Andrews McMeel's website.
Comic Riffs on Richard Thompson exhibit
Bill Watterson/Richard Thompson’s OSU Show: Creators are ‘honored’ and ‘gobsmacked’ at opening of museum’s exhibit
BY MICHAEL CAVNA
-
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 25 2014
Auger one-night solo show
Local artist/cartoonist Michael Auger has a one-night solo show April 5 from 8 p.m.-1 p.m. at the Ritz Carlton in Georgetown. His glow-paint work will be featured. Tickets for "Art Soiree: Garden Edition in Glow - Exclusive Exhibit for Michael Auger" are free.
Monday, March 24, 2014
Comic Riffs' contest for Galifianakis' Valentine cartoon
VALENTINE'S DAY READER CAPTION CONTEST: And the winner is...
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 23 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/03/23/valentines-day-reader-caption-contest-and-the-winner-is/
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 23 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/03/23/valentines-day-reader-caption-contest-and-the-winner-is/
Conservative NewsBusters blog wonders about Post's Prickly City letters
WashPost Gives Trio of Readers Platform to Urge Censorship of Conservative Comic Strip
By Ken Shepherd
NewsBusters March 24, 2014
Richard Thompson exhibit in Columbus, OH
An excellent exhibit of Arlington, VA's Richard Thompson, curated by Caitlin McGurk, opened this past Friday. It's at Ohio State University's Billy Ireland Library and Musum. I was lucky enough to attend the opening, and largely forgot to take pictures!
Richard had a good time though, and other cartoonists and members of his family attended, as well as over 400 people whose names I didn't catch. Oh yeah, there's an also an exhibit by some guy named Watterson in the next room over.
Box Brown interviewed on BPC podcast
The Big Planet Comics podcast interviews comic booker Box Brown about wrestling and his upcoming graphic novel about Andre the Giant. (BPC co-publishes Brown's Retrofit Comics line of monthly floppies.)
Image: Box Brown
That darn Prickly City
Letter to the Editor: Too much politics in ‘Prickly City’ for the comics page
Washington Post March 22 2014
Film projects from local cartoonists John Dorsey and G.E. Gallas
G.E. Gallas is looking to fund her film:
I'm the writer & director for "Beard Guy" a short comedy shot entirely in the DMV region using local talent & companies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Xp2c42dk4
Beard guy is a screwball comedy about office stereotypes. Inspired by a Reddit it was filmed during the winter when Film Sets are typically shut down, leaving industry professionals out of work. We filmed Beard Guy, using a Red Epic camera (same camera they used House of Cards)
Bottom-line - we're pretty proud of how this short film turned out,
Sunday, March 23, 2014
'Aquabats' in Silver Spring on May 10
The surf-rock-band-turned-TV-show-stars Aquabats are coming to the Filmore in Silver Spring,
Md., on May 10 as part of their 20th anniversary tour. (I figure, they are based on comics and
cartoons—and I love their show—so I oughtta mention it.)
Comic Riffs on Hellboy
Mike Mignola: As Hellboy turns 20, creator celebrates having been at ‘exact right place at the exact right time’
-
By David Betancourt
- Washington Post Comic Riffs blog
March 20 2014
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/03/20/mike-mignola-as-hellboy-turns-20-creator-celebrates-having-been-at-exact-right-place-at-the-exact-right-time/
Awesome Con spreads its cloak
Guinness record in sights for D.C. comic book convention
- Jeff Clabaugh
- Broadcast/Web Reporter- Washington Business Journal March 19, 2014
- http://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2014/03/19/guinness-record-in-sights-for-d-c-comic-book.html
'Panels in Frames' opening
Some photos from Friday's opening of the 'Panels in Frames' comics art exhibit at 505 North in Frederick, Md., courtesy of Steve Loya and Rafer Roberts, just two of the comics creators whose work was on display. Others include local cartoonists Matt Rawson, Andrew Cohen, Jason Axtell, Teresa Roberts Logan, Danielle Corsetto, Martin Graff, Laura McClure and Monica Gallagher. The exhibit runs until April 11.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
'Omega' on street patrol
“Omega” is the superhero persona of a D.C.-area comics
creator who recently moved to Seattle. He’s been working on a comics-related project
with Seattle superhero Phoenix Jones, but it looks like he’s now joined Jones’ group, which calls itself the Rain
City Superhero Crime Fighting Movement. The group patrols the streets of Seattle--mainly the bar areas after they close--and have drawn the ire of local police, who warn that the group's actions can have consequences, both physical and legal. Check out Omega’s Facebook page for photos, videos and other updates.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
'Lumberjanes' signing at BPC on April 26
Big Planet Comics in Vienna welcomes Brooke Allen (who lives in D.C. now) and Grace Ellis on April 26 from noon to 2 p.m. for a signing of the first issue of their new series Lumberjanes (Boom! Studios), where five friends go to camp together for the summer, only to find there are lots of monster there. "Rad teenager girls kicking some monster butt!" say BPC.
Art by Brooke Allen
French graphic novel "Polina" reviewed by Economist blogger in DC
Pictures of delight: Graphic novels and ballet
by B.D. | WASHINGTON, DC
Prospero blog Mar 20th 2014,http://www.economist.com/blogs/prospero/2014/03/graphic-novels-and-ballet
Comic Riffs on Eleanor Davis' Google Doodle
SPRING EQUINOX: Artist Eleanor Davis on the joy (and learning curve) of creating today’s ‘blob lady’ Google Doodle
BY MICHAEL CAVNA
March 20 2014
Rat Queen prints at Big Planet Comics College Park
We just got in a set of prints for the Rat Queens signing in College Park, Sunday April 6! This will be a signed set by Kurtis and Roc. Get one of your favorite character: Hannah, Violet, Dee, or Betty, or collect all 4!
Bill Watterson and Richard Thompson exhibit opens in Columbus, OH tomorrow
Caitlin McGurk of the Billy Ireland Library at Ohio State University says:
Here is the new and exclusive interview with Richard Thompson and Bill Watterson, taking the internet by storm on our blog:
The two images are from a clever brochure for advertising artists that Bono Mitchell recently gave me. Can you figure out which section of the cover Richard did?
New interviews with Watterson and Thompson
The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at Ohio State University releases a new interview with Calvin & Hobbes creator Bill Watterson and Cul de Sac creator Richard Thompson two days before it opens expositions featuring work by both cartoonists.
New Captain America movie poster
New Jim Steranko-inspired promotional poster for the upcoming Captain America movie, which is largely set in D.C.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
March featured in Lansing
Graphic history:‘One Book, One Community’ chooses graphic novel memoir of civil rights activist for 2014
by Bill Castanier
Lansing City Pulse March 19,2014
http://www.lansingcitypulse.com/lansing/article-10002-graphic-history.html
March 26: Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries at Warner Theatre
Scooby-Doo Live! Musical Mysteries
Warner Theatre, 6 pm.
Filled with wacky new characters and hilarious antics, SCOOBY-DOO LIVE! Musical Mysteries has young audiences on the edge of their seats the moment the lights go down.