
That's Craig Fischer, Richard Thompson, Roger Langridge and Al.

Mike Rhode with Al Feldstein at Baltimore Comic-Con 2007

Al and a fan at Heroes Con.

Al and Ben Towle at Heroes Con.
More pictures from the 2008 Heroes Con are here.
The ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con Returns with
The Independent Fan Film Festival!
The ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con returns to Archbishop Neale School in La Plata, Maryland on May 10, 2014 with a brand new event - The Independent Fan Film Festival - featuring five amazing fan-produced films and the headlining film, "Dear Mr. Watterson, An Exploration of Calvin and Hobbes".
The ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con is a fundraiser and awareness-raiser for Archbishop Neale School, a Catholic School in operation in La Plata for over 85 years. The event is organized, promoted and run by a small staff of committed volunteers and every penny raised goes directly to the school. The popular event features over 50 vendors and artists selling original art, old and new comics, trading cards, collectibles, toys and other pop culture ephemera. Over 75 vendor tables sold out in less than 24 hours when they were made available in January prompting organizers to open hallways in the school to accommodate more dealers.
Earlier in April, the Independent Fan Film Festival was announced along with the Spotlight Feature Film, "Dear Mr. Watterson". This Kickstarter-funded film examines the impact of the ever-popular comic strip, "Calvin and Hobbes" and its' enigmatic creator, Bill Watterson. Directed by Joel Allen Schroeder, "Dear Mr. Watterson" has won numerous awards at film festivals nation-wide.
"We were really lucky that "Dear Mr. Watterson" was made by such a generous guy like Joel", says convention organizer Tom Boone. "He understood that this is our first film festival and a charity event, too. Joel graciously gave us permission to screen this wonderful film that I think matches our audience perfectly. It's great for young, aspiring artists as well as fans of comics and great art."
In addition to the indie film fest favorite "Watterson", five other fan-produced films have been announced as part of the Independent Fan Film Festival. "All of these films were made by fans, and can exist within the film franchises they represent because they happen just outside of the films we've already seen", says Boone. The Italian "Dark Resurrection" takes place several hundred years after "Star Wars - Return of the Jedi" and "The Hunt for Gollum" follows the adventures of the J.R.R. Tolkien-created character Strider, who was not seen in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Similarly, the Harry Potter-related film "The Greater Good" features a story of Young Dumbledore mentioned in one of J.K. Rowlings' books and "Judge Minty" is based on a character from the "Judge Dredd" comics. A parody of the A-Team, "The Safe Team", rounds out the selection of films. Attendees can vote for their favorite films and the winning director will receive a "Best Film" trophy made by Virginia -based glass artist Patti North.
Organizers encourage attendees to plan for a full day at the ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con. An Art Contest for Kids will be featured as well as a costume contest for all ages. There will be a Silent Auction featuring autographed items and collectibles and door prizes will be awarded hourly. Costumed members of the 501st and Rebel Legions will be on hand to play a Star Wars Angry Birds game with kids. Plus Viking re-enactors from the Longship Company will be returning with their historic Nordic artifacts and food will be available, too.
The ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con and the Independent Fan Film Festival run concurrently on May 10, 2014 from 10-3pm at Archbishop Neale School, 104 Port Tobacco Road, La Plata, Maryland. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 10 and under. For more information, visit www.anscomiccon.com
Films to be Shown during the Independent Fan Film Festival at ANS Sci-Fi & Comic Con:
"The Safe Team", directed by David Noble
"Dark Resurrection", directed by Angelo Licata
"The Greater Good", directed by Justin Zagri
"The Hunt for Gollum", directed by Chris Bouchard
"Judge Minty", directed by Steve Sterlacchini
"Dear Mr. Watterson", directed by Joel Allen Schroeder
Doonesbury's website moves to Washington Post from Slate
by Andrew Beaujon
Poynter Apr. 28, 2014
Following 2012's hugely popular series "Castles in the Sky: Miyazaki, Takahata and the Masters of Studio Ghibli," this selection of Studio Ghibli favorites returns to AFI Silver for an encore presentation, now also including a new 35mm print of GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES, unavailable in 2012, and Hayao Miyazaki's latest and declared-final masterpiece, THE WIND RISES.
Hey guys! We are almost half way there in just under three week!! Woohoo! Thank you!
Can you please SHARE this link? It can triple your impact of your donation! Cuz this is the ONLY way people will know about this. Thank you!
Exhibition Hours
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10AM-4PM
Wednesday - 10AM-9PM
Closed Monday
It's an American invention and a 20th century institution, yet the comic book encompasses the arc of humanity that runs from prehistoric cave paintings to the graphic novels of the future. Arnold Blumberg, former curator at Geppi's Entertainment Museum, calls the comic book "not just a reflection of our culture—it is our culture." A culture experienced on so many levels, whether it's colored by memories of hiding under the covers with a flashlight and a comic book after bedtime or catching up with digital favorites online. Ever since Superman kicked off the superhero comic genre in 1938, the medium's influence has spread throughout the arts, influencing fine and performing arts as well as pop culture and becoming part of the fabric of human dreams. This exhibit gathers all the elements of the art form, from original pencil drawing and hand inking to graphic design and digital manipulation, and beyond into the new incursions of what comic artist and theorist Scott McCloud calls "the infinite canvas" of web-based comics, games and graphic novels. Step into the world of wonder that's reflected in the comic genre; share it with someone you love. It's just as you remember, and so much more than you can imagine.
Please join us for the following programs, presented in conjunction with the exhibit:
SCREENING OF THE FILM STRIPPED April 27
BEYOND TEXT AND LINE: A STUDY ON THE ART OF COMIC BOOKS April 27
Beyond Text and Line: A Discussion on the Art of Comic Books |
In conjunction with its new fine art exhibit, A Shared Universe: The Art of Comic Books, Strathmore brings together a panel of experts for "Beyond Text and Line: A Discussion on the Art of Comic Books." Join the colorful conversation moderated by Greg McElhatton, former Executive Director of the Small Press Expo (SPX,) a founding freelancer for Wizard, and a current reviewer on iComics.com. Panelists include: Emily Gillis of Wayward Studios; JD Deardourff, a local comic-inspired artist; Rafer Roberts of Plastic Farm Press; and Monica Gallagher of EatYourLipstick.com.
Stripped |
In conjunction with its new fine art exhibit, A Shared Universe: The Art of Comic Books, Strathmore presents Stripped, a feature film documentary illustrating the lives of the world's best cartoonists. Share in their musings of the art form they love and where it goes as newspapers die.
41 years later, The Post publishes spiked 'Doonesbury' Watergate comic for the first time. Here's why…
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post's Comic Riffs blog April 26 2014
April 24 2014
http://spx.tumblr.com/post/83671418340/goddess-adriana-and-the-spx-collection-at-the-libraryBy Hashim Hathaway
Posted on April 24, 2014
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JICC, Embassy of Japan | 1150 18th St., NW | Suite 100 | Washington | DC | 20036 |
REISTERSTOWN, MD - April 23, 2014 - On Saturday, May 3 2014, Cards, Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD will not only be celebrating Free Comic Book Day, but will commemorate an even bigger milestone event - its 30th Anniversary!
This will be the biggest extravaganza held at the store to date, and will feature: appearances by superstar creators J.G. Jones, Don Rosa, Todd Dezago, Craig Rousseau, Steve Conley, John Gallagher, and Frank Cho*; great sales on hardcovers, trade, toys, statues, and modern back issues; and, of course FREE COMICS and MORE!
"When we first opened our doors on May 1, 1984, I couldn't even imagine celebrating 30 years," said Marc Nathan, owner of Cards, Comics & Collectibles and show promoter for the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Thirty years seems like such a long time, but it's been an amazing ride that has just gotten better and better every year. From the awesome group of creators who've appeared in the store and at the show over the years, to the loyal customers who come in week after week, I couldn't have asked for a better 30 years in the comic business!"
In addition to the dozens of free comics that will be available that day, the first 100 customers will receive a Cards, Comics & Collectibles exclusive Rai #1 (Valiant Comics) variant cover by J.G. Jones. This cover was commissioned exclusively for the 30th Anniversary and is not available anywhere else!!
But wait, there's more!! Every customer who stops by will receive a FREE Baltimore Comic-Con T-Shirt while supplies last! Plus, all weekend long (May 2-4, 2014) get an additional 50% OFF all Hardcovers, Trade Paperbacks, Toys, Statues, and Modern Back Issues!!
Come early, come in costume, and come to help us celebrate 30 amazing years of Cards, Comics & Collectibles!!
About The Creators:
Cover artist extraordinaire, J.G. Jones broke into comics in 1994, working on two issues of Dark Dominion for now-defunct Defiant Comics. Since then, Jones' artwork has graced the pages and cover of such titles as Black Widow, Marvel Boy, and The Avengers from Marvel Comics and Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia, 52, and Final Crisis from DC Comics. Most recently, he provided cover and interior artwork for DC's Before Watchmen: Comedian mini-series.
Don Rosa is a writer and illustrator, who is most famous for his work on Scrooge McDuck stories from 1987-2006. His work is highly regarded by fans of Disney comics illustrating the Duck universe. Although he officially retired in 2008, his seminal work on the Eisner-award winning Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck, stands as one of the most popular Disney comics of all time.
Writer Todd Dezago began his career in 1994, scripting the adventures of Marvel's Merry Mutants in the pages ofX-Force. In 2006, he moved to The Sensational Spider-Man with artist and frequent future collaborator, Mike Wieringo. In addition to his work at Marvel and DC Comics, Dezago also co-created Tellos (with Wieringo) and The Perhapanauts with artist Craig Rousseau. His most recent work includes the mini-series The Perhapanauts: Danger Down Under from Image Comics.
Craig Rousseau started his career in 1997 as a fill-in artist on issue #22 of DC Comic's Impulse. By issues 27, he was named as the full-time artist. After his run on Impulse, DC gave him a shot on Batman Beyond and Harley Quinn, as well as Young Justice, Gotham Adventures, and Detective Comics. Teaming up with Dezago, he co-created The Perhapanuats, which was originally published through Dark Horse Comics, and most recently through Image Comics. His most recent work includes the mini-series The Perhapanauts: Danger Down Under.
Award-winning designer, illustrator and cartoonist Steve Conley has worked on such notable comics as Star Trek: Year Four (IDW), Michael Chabon's Amazing Adventures of the Escapist (Dark Horse Comics), and JLA-Z (DC Comics). Conley is also the creator of Astounding Space Thrills and the all-ages series, Bloop,
Cartoonist John Gallagher is the award-winning creator of such all-ages comics as Buzzboy, Roboy Red, and Zoey & Ketchup. Beginning his career in 1990, he has worked in nearly every aspect of comics production throughout his career - from writing and illustration to art direction. John is also one of the founders of Kids Love Comics, an organization that promotes literacy through comics and graphic novels.
Frank Cho's body of work at Marvel includes such titles as New Avengers, Mighty Avengers, Shanna the She-Devil, New Ultimates, X-Men: Schism,Avengers vs. X-Men, and Savage Wolverine. He is also well-known for his creator-owned series Liberty Meadows and his work on Jungle Girl for Dynamite Entertainment. Most recently, he handled the art duties for the Marvel X-event, Battle of the Atom.
Cards, Comics & Collectibles is located at 100A Chartley Drive, Reisterstown, MD. For more information, please visit cardscomicscollectibles.com, our Facebook page, or call 410-526-7410.
How Kickstarter helped Awesome Con DC grow — and why they won't use it next year
By Andrea Peterson
Washington Post's The Switch blog April 21 2014
Superheroes on the Mall are dressed the part, but can they break a record?
[in print as Dressed for success?! Superheores swoop in on the Mall in an attempt to break a Guiness record].
By Maura Judkis, Washington Post April 19 2014, p. C1, 2
Awesome Con draws out D.C.'s nerds and secret superheroes
By Christina Cauterucci
Express April 16 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/04/16/awesome-con-guide-dc-convention-center/
How two D.C. locals will transform into 'Saga' characters for AwesomeCon
By Christina Cauterucci
Express April 16 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/04/16/saga-cosplay-awesome-con-dc/
Letter to the Editor
Guns don't cause harm; people do
John Murphy, Vienna
Washington Post April 19 2014
For kids' book author Mo Willems, childhood is an awful time
CBS News Sunday Morning April 20 2014
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/for-kids-book-author-mo-willems-childhood-is-an-awful-time/
Knuffle Bunny is one of the creations of Mo Willems, a best-selling author and illustrator for children, and as Rita Braver discovered, very much a man of the world.
This Saturday at Third Eye Annapolis, the writer behind the DEADPOOL Killogy (DEADPOOL KILLS MARVEL, DEADPOOL KILLUSTRATED, and DEADPOOL KILLS DEADPOOL, as well as NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEADPOOL and DEADPOOL VS. CARNAGE) will be in-store signing from 11AM-1PM and we could not be more amped!
Cullen has also done HELHEIM, SIXTH GUN, and of course, the brand new SINESTRO from DC.
Click here for more event info!
Mark Tyler Nobleman