Use the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Oct 27: Carol Tilley speaks on comic book censorship at National Archives main building
Use the Constitution Avenue entrance.
Eaten Fish named Cartoonist Rights Network endangered cartoonist
2016 Courage In Editorial Cartooning Award Winner Announced
http://cartoonistsrights.org/2016-courage-in-editorial-cartooning-award-winner-announced/Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Robin Ha podcast
25: Having the courage to try something new, with comic book artist Robin Ha.
Julia Carpenter:
https://soundcloud.com/theladycast/25-having-the-courage-to-try-something-new-with-comic-book-artist-robin-ha
Julia Carpenter:
https://soundcloud.com/theladycast/25-having-the-courage-to-try-something-new-with-comic-book-artist-robin-ha
"I only wish that I gave myself a chance to actually do what I wanted to do even sooner."
I spoke this week with comic book artist Robin Ha, whose new book, Cook Korean!: A Comic Book with Recipes, came out early last month. Robin is a Korean immigrant who is formally trained in illustration, but who has continually pushed herself to #dothething throughout her life -- from moving to the U.S. and learning English, to learning to cook, to writing a whole damn book. Robin and I talk about the limitations we often put on ourselves when it comes to creative work, how cooking is similar to painting, and how most Asian mother-daughter relationships are very, very similar.
***
Follow Robin on Twitter: twitter.com/RobinHaART
Robin's blog: banchancomic.tumblr.com/
Get Robin's book: amzn.to/2c73Iq4
***
Julia Carpenter: twitter.com/juliaccarpenter
Subscribe to A Woman to Know: tinyletter.com/awomantoknow
***
Follow The Ladycast online:
twitter.com/theladycast
tinyletter.com/theladycast
theladycast.com/
'Cook Korean' Shares Traditional Food in a New Way
'Cook Korean' Shares Traditional Food in a New Way
Angie Goff
NBC4 Washington (August 30 2016)
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Korean-Cooking-Guest_Washington-DC-391758141.html
In "Cook Korean," author Robin Ha shares pieces of her life's story
and easy ways to make traditional Korean food. Ha stopped by News4
Midday to share more about the comic book style cook book.
Angie Goff
NBC4 Washington (August 30 2016)
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Korean-Cooking-Guest_Washington-DC-391758141.html
In "Cook Korean," author Robin Ha shares pieces of her life's story
and easy ways to make traditional Korean food. Ha stopped by News4
Midday to share more about the comic book style cook book.
PR: SPX Special Guests Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, Co-Creators of the March Trilogy
|
Dr. Anita Auerbach's eulogy for Richard Thompson
"ARE YOU READY?" "NOOOO!"
Dr. Anita Auerbach
https://findthequiet.com/2016/08/30/are-you-ready-noooo/
Dr. Anita Auerbach
https://findthequiet.com/2016/08/30/are-you-ready-noooo/
Monday, August 29, 2016
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Police vs. Cannabis: an Infographic"
From Mike Flugennock, DC's anarchist cartoonist:
"Police vs. Cannabis: an Infographic"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2038
Ignore the anti-legalization shrieking and propaganda, and consider this little factoid: Police have murdered 765 people in the US this year – so far. Meanwhile, absolutely 0 – count 'em, ZERO – people worldwide have died as a direct result of smoking cannabis through all of recorded history.
That's right, smoking cannabis will not kill you – unless you do it in front of a moving bus. See you in DC on September 24!
14x17 inch medium-res color .jpg image, 885kb
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=20
Ignore the anti-legalization shrieking and propaganda, and consider this little factoid: Police have murdered 765 people in the US this year – so far. Meanwhile, absolutely 0 – count 'em, ZERO – people worldwide have died as a direct result of smoking cannabis through all of recorded history.
That's right, smoking cannabis will not kill you – unless you do it in front of a moving bus. See you in DC on September 24!
14x17 inch medium-res color .jpg image, 885kb
Michael Cavna remembers Richard Thompson
Richard Thompson: The art of being a smart, humane artist in a vitriolic, wired world
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 29 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/29/richard-thompson-the-art-of-a-being-a-smart-humane-artist-in-a-vitriolic-wired-world/
Comics Riffs on Laika Studio and Kubo
The rise of Travis Knight, the son of Nike's founder who built an animation powerhouse [in print as A Knight is a rising king of animation, August 22, 2016]
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 19 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/19/the-rise-of-travis-knight-the-son-of-nikes-founder-who-built-an-animation-powerhouse/
Sept 21: Juana Medina at Library of Congress
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 – 12 Noon- 1pm
I JUANA LIVE IN AMERICA: AN IMMIGRANT'S [CREATIVE] JOURNEY
I JUANA LIVE IN AMERICA: AN IMMIGRANT'S [CREATIVE] JOURNEY
Award-winning illustrator Juana Medina will discuss her work and her artistic journey as a Colombian artist living in the United States. Medina is an illustrator and author for children's books, as well as a teacher at George Washington University.
Cosponsored by the Hispanic Division and the Hispanic Cultural Society of the Library of Congress.
Location: Dining Room A, James Madison Building, 6th floor
Event is free and open to the public.
Contact: cgom@loc.gov
Sept 26: Kate Beaton at Hooray for Books
Monday, September 26th: We are thrilled to announce that author and cartoonist extraordinaire Kate Beaton is coming to Hooray for Books! If you are a fan of webcomics, then you might already love Beaton's Hark! A Vagrant series. If you frequent our Wednesday Story Times, then you definitely know how much we love her first picture book, The Princess and the Pony. Now, come out to Hooray for Books! as Beaton presents her second and newest picture book, King Baby, available on September 13th. Just as hilarious as all of Beaton's work, King Baby is sure to be a story time favorite that will resonate with everyone who has ever been a parent, aunt or uncle, sibling, or even just seen a baby in action. Pre-order your copy at Hooray for Books! by dropping by or calling 703-548-4092 during regular business hours. You must purchase at least one Scholastic title from Hooray for Books! in order to join the signing line. 6 pm.
1555 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Richard Thompson Memorial Celebration photographs
Richard's old friend Bruce Guthrie photographed the service and the 'mingling' before and afterwards. See the pictures at
http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2016_08_27B3_RThompson_Memorial3
http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2016_08_27B1_RThompson_Memorial
http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2016_08_27B3_RThompson_Memorial3
http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2016_08_27B1_RThompson_Memorial
Excellent Washington Post story on North Korean cartoonist
Reaching a South Korean audience by finding laughs from North Korea [in print as Artist plays a rough life in North Korea for laughs]
By Anna Fifield Washington Post August 29 2016, p. A7
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/reaching-a-south-korean-audience-by-finding-laughs-from-north-korea/2016/08/28/24e0cb53-b075-40de-a2a6-cb4305cf4607_story.html
New local comic-con next summer
Kevin Bednarz, owner of the comics shop Comic Logic in Ashburn, Va., has posted a teaser about a new local comics convention aimed for next summer. NOVA-Con is planned for July 2017 at the Ritz Carlton in Tyson's Corner.
Per his Facebook post: "A one of a kind comic/art/pop culture convention. Many more details and announcements to come in the following weeks & months. Stay tuned."
Per his Facebook post: "A one of a kind comic/art/pop culture convention. Many more details and announcements to come in the following weeks & months. Stay tuned."
Comic Riffs talks to Trudeau about Trump
Prior to his visit to Politics and Prose bookstore today, Michael Cavna talks to Garry Trudeau of Doonesbury -
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 29 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/29/yugedoonesbury-cartoonist-garry-trudeau-if-trump-wins-ill-miss-civilization-as-we-know-it/
'Yuge!'/'Doonesbury' cartoonist Garry Trudeau: 'If Trump wins, I'll miss civilization as we know it.'
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 29 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/29/yugedoonesbury-cartoonist-garry-trudeau-if-trump-wins-ill-miss-civilization-as-we-know-it/
Friday, August 26, 2016
Gail Rubin remembers Richard Thompson
Cartoonist Richard Thompson Made Us Laugh
by Gail Rubin
A Good Goodbye blog August 26th, 2016http://agoodgoodbye.com/notable-obituaries/cartoonist-richard-thompson-made-us-laugh/
Before you read that -
The service for Richard Thompson will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, this Saturday, August 27th at 1pm.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from 1pm until 2:30 pm, after which there will be a private reception for friends and family.
Sept 2-4: Baltimore Comic Con programming
Baltimore Comic-Con 2016 Announces Panel Programming
| BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - August 22, 2016 - The 17th annual Baltimore Comic-Con returns to the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of September 2-4, 2016. Tickets are available now for General Admission, VIP, and Harvey Awards! As is the case every year, we have received a steady stream of requests for our Panel schedule -- details are now ready for release, and we're really excited to share them with you! |
 |  |
Friday will feature a panel on our 2016 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook featuring the cast of Archie Comics, a spotlight on J.M. DeMatteis, and numerous panels featuring some of the industry's largest publishers including DC, IDW, and Valiant Entertainment!
Saturday, publisher panels include Marvel, BOOM! Studios, and Archie, spotlight panels on Joe Giella, Al Jaffee, John McCrea, Guest of Honor Kevin Eastman, and media guests Candice Patton, Kristian Nairn, and Sean Astin, and a drawing demonstration from Adam Hughes.
Sunday, learn about the connection between music and comics, world building, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and attend spotlights on Steve Englehart, Howard Chaykin, Soman Chainani, and media guest Hayley Atwell!
We also continue our series of cosplay-oriented panels throughout the weekend, featuring topics of interest to both participants and spectators alike.
And, of course, don't let your children miss the excitement scheduled for the Kids Love Comics Pavilion!
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Return Of The Choom"
From DC's anarchist cartoonist Mike Flugennock:
"Return Of The Choom"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2034
Inspired by a scene from Return Of The Jedi in which Han Solo is frozen in carbonite in Jabba's lair, this poster announces a new round of cannabis legalization protest in Washington, DC and the White House on September 24, and calls on the DEA to "release the #Choom" -- to deschedule cannabis and free all prisoners being held for marijuana "crimes".
Needless to say, there's a lot of discontent boiling in the cannabis activist community about the DEA dragging its feet and stringing everybody along for months before finally blowing us off and refusing to remove cannabis from its "Schedule 1" list, alongside heroin. Much of the criticism is also directed at President Sparkle Pony, who claimed he would let science dictate policy and not politics, but has consistently chosen to support the failed Drug War policies which have their roots in the Nixon Administration. (The joke going around the DCMJ office is that the DEA has Obama "frozen, like Han Solo"; the term "choom" refers to Obama's weed-smoking posse from school, nicknamed the "Choom Gang".)
"Return Of The Choom"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=20
Inspired by a scene from Return Of The Jedi in which Han Solo is frozen in carbonite in Jabba's lair, this poster announces a new round of cannabis legalization protest in Washington, DC and the White House on September 24, and calls on the DEA to "release the #Choom" -- to deschedule cannabis and free all prisoners being held for marijuana "crimes".
Needless to say, there's a lot of discontent boiling in the cannabis activist community about the DEA dragging its feet and stringing everybody along for months before finally blowing us off and refusing to remove cannabis from its "Schedule 1" list, alongside heroin. Much of the criticism is also directed at President Sparkle Pony, who claimed he would let science dictate policy and not politics, but has consistently chosen to support the failed Drug War policies which have their roots in the Nixon Administration. (The joke going around the DCMJ office is that the DEA has Obama "frozen, like Han Solo"; the term "choom" refers to Obama's weed-smoking posse from school, nicknamed the "Choom Gang".)
Aug 29: Garry Trudeau at Politics and Prose
Garry Trudeau at P&P
Monday, August 29 at 4 PM - 6 PM
Monday, August 29 at 4 PM - 6 PM
Politics & Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20008
Comic Riffs profiles Roye Okupe and YouNeek Studios
He came to D.C. from Nigeria — and created his own African comic-book universe
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 24 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/24/he-came-to-d-c-from-nigeria-and-created-his-own-african-comic-book-universe/
The Nerdist likes Tom King's Omega Men, a lot
THE OMEGA MEN Deals in Philosophy the Way Only a Comic Book Can
by Benjamin Bailey on August 23, 2016http://nerdist.com/the-omega-men-deals-in-philosophy-the-way-only-a-comic-book-can/
Library of Congress on a Charles Dana Gibson' editorial crtoon
World War 1: Bad Romance — Gibson's Chilling Personification of War
by Katherine Blood
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Flugennock's Latest'n'Greatest: "Broken Windows"
From DC's anarchist cartoonist...
"Broken Windows"
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=2030
posted 08.16.16
A couple of nights ago, yet another black youth was killed by police in America -- this time in Milwaukee, touching off a night of rioting which featured the burning of a gas station and the smashing of windows on businesses and cop cars. And as usual, White America and the mainstream media were getting their panties in a twist more about broken windows than human lives.
For those of you who've been living in caves since the 1990s, "Broken Windows" has been a policing institution gifted to us by the likes of Rudolph Giuliani in New York City. Basically a pretext for the establishment of paramilitary police occupations of the poorest -- and blackest -- areas, it was such a hit that "Broken Windows" opened up franchises in pretty much every city in the US, spreading its brand of harassment, profiling, intimidation and brutality.
After observing this form of right-wing "folk wisdom" in action for over twenty years, I can't help but ask: whose windows are really being broken here?
http://sinkers.org/stage/?p=20
posted 08.16.16
A couple of nights ago, yet another black youth was killed by police in America -- this time in Milwaukee, touching off a night of rioting which featured the burning of a gas station and the smashing of windows on businesses and cop cars. And as usual, White America and the mainstream media were getting their panties in a twist more about broken windows than human lives.
For those of you who've been living in caves since the 1990s, "Broken Windows" has been a policing institution gifted to us by the likes of Rudolph Giuliani in New York City. Basically a pretext for the establishment of paramilitary police occupations of the poorest -- and blackest -- areas, it was such a hit that "Broken Windows" opened up franchises in pretty much every city in the US, spreading its brand of harassment, profiling, intimidation and brutality.
After observing this form of right-wing "folk wisdom" in action for over twenty years, I can't help but ask: whose windows are really being broken here?
RICHARD THOMPSON MEMORIAL SERVICE
RICHARD THOMPSON MEMORIAL SERVICE
A service for Richard will be held at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, this Saturday, August 27th at 1pm.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from 1pm until 2:30 pm, after which there will be a private reception for friends and family.
Again, the family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, either directly or through Team Cul De Sac (https://www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/teamfox.php).
Monday, August 22, 2016
Fredericksburg's Clay Jones talks to a Costa Rica paper that has hired him
Political Cartoons: An Endangered Journalism Practice
By Jaime Lopez –
Costa Rica Star August 21, 2016
http://news.co.cr/political-cartoons-endangered-journalism-practice/50059/
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Interview with Greg Pak (Incredible Hulk, Kingsway West, Eternal Warrior)
by Mike Favila (Guest Writer / ComicsOnline.com Senior Editor)
My neighbor (and Editor-In-Chief) Mike Rhode is taking his daughter off to college for the first time, so I'm taking a second away from my duties at ComicsOnline.com to interview writer Greg Pak for ComicsDC.
If you're not familiar with Greg Pak's work,chances are you probably just haven't been reading the credits that tightly. I've mostly recently read his stuff for the relaunch of Eternal Warrior through Valiant Comics, but he's the man responsible for the awesomely out there World War Hulk storyline. I didn't know this until I read his Wiki, but he also created Amadeus Cho. Not too shabby.
Thanks for taking the time to chat. Here's a few questions to start with:
What was the genesis for Kingsway West? Obviously there's been different pieces of fiction relating to the Chinese people in a Western setting, but the fantasy elements are way more pronounced than anything I've read before.
I first started thinking about about telling a story with a Chinese gunslinger in the Old West over twenty years ago. I grew up in Texas and loved Westerns, and when I learned about the real history of Chinese immigrants in the Old West, I just couldn't stop thinking about it. So this was my dream project when I started film school in the '90s. And after I started writing comics, I worked on different comic book versions of the story, doing a couple of short stories for the OUTLAW TERRITORY anthology with artists Ian Kim and Sean Chen. But I always wanted to do a longer version of the story, and eventually started talking with editor Jim Gibbons at Dark Horse. Jim loved the characters and story I pitched, but asked if there was something more I could bring to the story to push it over the top. And I thought about it for a while, and found myself thinking about fantasy and magic. I'd loved Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons when I was growing up for some of the same reasons I'd loved Westerns -- that kind of big, epic, outdoor adventure is part of both genres. And the more I worked on it, the more it made sense to merge those genres in a story about a Chinese gunslinger searching for his wife in an Old West overrun with magic.
How did you get together with Mirko Colak?
Mirko and I worked together on Marvel's RED SKULL INCARNATE and Dynamite's TUROK, both books that involved realistic, historically based material. I knew he'd absolutely kill on a Western. He's been tremendous. And I should add that colorist Wil Quintana and letterer Simon Bowland are doing amazing work on the book as well. I'm so lucky and happy!
How did you end up publishing at Dark Horse?
If I'm remembering correctly, I think Mirko had met Jim somehow and made the introduction. As soon as I started talking with Jim, I knew I wanted to do the book there. Jim asked all the right questions to push me to make the book better. Jim since left the company to work for Stela, but Spencer Cushing has taken over as editor and Spencer's been fantastic -- just a tremendous sounding board and advocate and hustler to keep the book on time and make it as good as it can be.
How much of the arc do you have planned out?
I've written all four issues of the miniseries. I've got my fingers mightily crossed -- if the numbers are good enough, we may be able to do a second volume. So if anyone reading is interested, please do ask your local comics shop to order the books for you, or go to KingswayWest.com and pre-order there!
I loved the relaunch of Eternal Warrior, and was impressed with your take on it. Were you a fan of original Valiant comics? How did you get involved?
Thanks so much for the kind words! I actually didn't read many of the original Valiant comics -- they came out during a window in time when I wasn't buying a ton of monthlies. But I always loved the concepts. I got pulled on board ETERNAL WARRIOR by editor Warren Simons, with whom I'd done MAGNETO TESTAMENT over at Marvel. I loved working with Warren and was thrilled to have a shot at working with him again. And the Eternal Warrior character was up my alley -- again, as a fan of outdoor adventure and fantasy. I'm particularly proud of the second arc we did on that series, drawn by Robert Gill, in which we jumped a couple of thousand years into the future. Had a huge amount of fun with the worldbuilding there, and I loved the emotional story between Gilad and his granddaughter.
Did you have to coordinate with the other titles launching for Valiant, or did Warren provide a lot of the parameters?
I definitely read the other issues that had referenced Gilad before I started. And Warren definitely kept it on track continuity-wise. He had a great eye on the big picture all the time -- he's just done a tremendous job herding all those books.
As a Filipino, I've always been drawn to the names of the Asian creators (like Whilce Portacio or Frank Cho) that have been on the credits of the comics I read growing up. It seems like seeing realistic Asian characters portrayed on the page(such as the Amadeus Cho Hulk) is the natural next step. Do you feel that this is just a reflection of society today, or did that require a concerted effort on the part of comic companies/creators?
I've been writing comics for over twelve years now, and from the beginning, my editors have always supported my working diverse characters into the casts of my books. My very first published comic was the WARLOCK mini in 2004, which starred an Asian American woman named Janie Chin. And artist Takeshi Miyazawa and I created Amadeus Cho eleven years ago, and I was able to write him as a supporting character in the Hulk books and eventually as the co-star of the INCREDIBLE HERCULES series, co-written with Fred Van Lente, for over four years. And over the years I also created S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Jake Oh and used Suzie Endo in the SILVER SURFER book and created a half-Japanese alternative-world Namor in X-TREME X-MEN and used Sharon (played by Grace Park in the television series) as the central character in the second half of my BATTLESTAR GALACTICA series and wrote a bunch of book starring other people of color. So in my experience, working with the awesome editors I've had over the years, the door has always been open -- I just had to walk through it.
But I also think we're living at a time when more and more people are aware that audiences want more diverse casts and more and more creators of different backgrounds are breaking in and blowing up in all kinds of great ways, which is great. Fifteen years ago, when I was speaking at film festivals with my films, I used to say that in fifteen years the changing demographics of the country would make it a no-brainer to make media with diverse casts. We're in the middle of businesses waking up to that right now, and it's very exciting.
Less related, but also curious: How are you involved with Fresh Off The Boat? I saw something on your Wiki, but I had no clue that you had a hand in the show.
Oh, I love the show, but I'm not at all involved in its creation or production. I was a lucky participant on a panel discussion about it when it premiered. I'm thrilled it's done so well -- it's time, huh?
My neighbor (and Editor-In-Chief) Mike Rhode is taking his daughter off to college for the first time, so I'm taking a second away from my duties at ComicsOnline.com to interview writer Greg Pak for ComicsDC.
If you're not familiar with Greg Pak's work,chances are you probably just haven't been reading the credits that tightly. I've mostly recently read his stuff for the relaunch of Eternal Warrior through Valiant Comics, but he's the man responsible for the awesomely out there World War Hulk storyline. I didn't know this until I read his Wiki, but he also created Amadeus Cho. Not too shabby.
Thanks for taking the time to chat. Here's a few questions to start with:
What was the genesis for Kingsway West? Obviously there's been different pieces of fiction relating to the Chinese people in a Western setting, but the fantasy elements are way more pronounced than anything I've read before.
How did you get together with Mirko Colak?
Mirko and I worked together on Marvel's RED SKULL INCARNATE and Dynamite's TUROK, both books that involved realistic, historically based material. I knew he'd absolutely kill on a Western. He's been tremendous. And I should add that colorist Wil Quintana and letterer Simon Bowland are doing amazing work on the book as well. I'm so lucky and happy!
How did you end up publishing at Dark Horse?
If I'm remembering correctly, I think Mirko had met Jim somehow and made the introduction. As soon as I started talking with Jim, I knew I wanted to do the book there. Jim asked all the right questions to push me to make the book better. Jim since left the company to work for Stela, but Spencer Cushing has taken over as editor and Spencer's been fantastic -- just a tremendous sounding board and advocate and hustler to keep the book on time and make it as good as it can be.
How much of the arc do you have planned out?
I've written all four issues of the miniseries. I've got my fingers mightily crossed -- if the numbers are good enough, we may be able to do a second volume. So if anyone reading is interested, please do ask your local comics shop to order the books for you, or go to KingswayWest.com and pre-order there!
I loved the relaunch of Eternal Warrior, and was impressed with your take on it. Were you a fan of original Valiant comics? How did you get involved?
Did you have to coordinate with the other titles launching for Valiant, or did Warren provide a lot of the parameters?
I definitely read the other issues that had referenced Gilad before I started. And Warren definitely kept it on track continuity-wise. He had a great eye on the big picture all the time -- he's just done a tremendous job herding all those books.
As a Filipino, I've always been drawn to the names of the Asian creators (like Whilce Portacio or Frank Cho) that have been on the credits of the comics I read growing up. It seems like seeing realistic Asian characters portrayed on the page(such as the Amadeus Cho Hulk) is the natural next step. Do you feel that this is just a reflection of society today, or did that require a concerted effort on the part of comic companies/creators?
I've been writing comics for over twelve years now, and from the beginning, my editors have always supported my working diverse characters into the casts of my books. My very first published comic was the WARLOCK mini in 2004, which starred an Asian American woman named Janie Chin. And artist Takeshi Miyazawa and I created Amadeus Cho eleven years ago, and I was able to write him as a supporting character in the Hulk books and eventually as the co-star of the INCREDIBLE HERCULES series, co-written with Fred Van Lente, for over four years. And over the years I also created S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Jake Oh and used Suzie Endo in the SILVER SURFER book and created a half-Japanese alternative-world Namor in X-TREME X-MEN and used Sharon (played by Grace Park in the television series) as the central character in the second half of my BATTLESTAR GALACTICA series and wrote a bunch of book starring other people of color. So in my experience, working with the awesome editors I've had over the years, the door has always been open -- I just had to walk through it.
But I also think we're living at a time when more and more people are aware that audiences want more diverse casts and more and more creators of different backgrounds are breaking in and blowing up in all kinds of great ways, which is great. Fifteen years ago, when I was speaking at film festivals with my films, I used to say that in fifteen years the changing demographics of the country would make it a no-brainer to make media with diverse casts. We're in the middle of businesses waking up to that right now, and it's very exciting.
Less related, but also curious: How are you involved with Fresh Off The Boat? I saw something on your Wiki, but I had no clue that you had a hand in the show.
Oh, I love the show, but I'm not at all involved in its creation or production. I was a lucky participant on a panel discussion about it when it premiered. I'm thrilled it's done so well -- it's time, huh?
The Express on Kubo
Dolby Cinema is the way to see 'Kubo and the Two Strings'
By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express August 19 2016
A new ocean video by Jim Toomey
Two Minutes on Oceans with Jim Toomey: Green Fins for a Blue Planet
Published on Aug 14, 2016https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzThAIkmitQ
Dive tourism is increasing at a rate of nearly one million new divers every year. Great news for the dive industry, but what about potential impacts on coral reefs and marine ecosystems? Watch this video to learn how divers and snorkelers can enhance environmental and economic sustainability through the Green Fins certification program.
The "Two Minutes on Oceans with Jim Toomey" video series uses animation and humor to explain complex scientific issues in simple terms to the general public. The series was produced as a partnership between nationally syndicated cartoonist, Jim Toomey, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Additional videos from the series can be viewed at: www.rona.unep.org/toomey
Friday, August 19, 2016
Cuddles & Rage in the Washington Post
Where this artist couple finds fun in the suburbs [in print as On the prowl for music, movies and comics]
Washington Post August 19 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/where-this-artist-couple-goes-to-find-fun-in-the-suburbs/2016/08/19/208ae002-5a5d-11e6-9767-f6c947fd0cb8_story.html
Cuddles & Rage on NPR's Facebook Live
Artists Cuddles & Rage (aka Liz and Jimmy Reed) were on NPR's Facebook Live this week adding to their contribution to the Small Stories room diorama exhibit at the National Building Museum. If you missed it, you can catch the recording here.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
The Post on 'Sausage Party,' Night Thrasher, Geoff Johns and 'Kubo'
The working conditions for some 'Sausage Party' animators were pretty terrible [in print as Strained animators speak out about how 'Sausage got made]
By Stephanie Merry
Washington Post August 18 2016, C1-2
The one superhero who can fix DC Comics's movies [Geoff Johns].
By David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 17 2016
The black superhero that Baltimore needs right now [Night Thrasher].
By David Betancourt
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 16 2016
'Kubo and the Two Strings' weaves a magical tale that feels both ancient and fresh
By Michael O'Sullivan
Washington Post.com August 18 2016: https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/kubo-and-the-two-strings-weaves-a-magical-tale-that-feels-both-ancient-and-fresh/2016/08/18/a8f33754-60a3-11e6-9d2f-b1a3564181a1_story.html
Small Press Expo Announces the 2016 Ignatz Award Nominees
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2016 Ignatz Award NOminees For Immediate Release The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is pleased to announce the 2016 nominees for the annual presentation of the Ignatz Awards, a celebration of outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. Additional information on the nominees can be found at www.smallpressexpo.com/spx- The 2016 Ignatz Award Nominees
Outstanding Graphic Novel
Outstanding Story
Promising New Talent
Outstanding Series
Outstanding Comic
Outstanding Minicomic
Outstanding Online Comic
SPX will be held Saturday, September 17 from 11AM to 7PM and Sunday, September 18, noon-6PM at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is $15 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday and $20 for both days. For further information on the Ignatz Awards, the nominees or to request an interview, please contact Ignatz Awards coordinator, Eden Miller, at spxignatz@gmail.com or SPX executive director, Warren Bernard at warren@spxpo.com. For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.spxpo.com. Once again we want to thank our our friends at comiXology for sponsoring the Ignatz Awards. Information on comiXology and their self-publishing portal Submit can be found at https://submit.comixology.com.  |
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Jasmine Pinales
by Mike Rhode Jasmine Pinales exhibited at the DC Zinefest and agreed to answer our usual questions afterward. She will be at SPX this fall if you'd like to meet her, and her comics are for sale now on her website. (All images are taken from her website).
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I write and draw fiction and autobio comics.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
My work is all traditional. I pencil, ink and letter on paper. I've used ink, markers and watercolor for my final pages depending on what best fits a project. I have produced some digital art but it never feels as strong as my traditional art, I don't think it's the best representation of my art. I lay out my comics on computer and do corrections and clean up.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?
1988.
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
I live outside of DC in Fairfax County. We moved here when I was 3 and I've been here most of my life. I went to Norfolk for college then returned.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Who are your influences?
Everything. I really got into Will Eisner's work between The Spirit and his more personal projects after he was done with that. Piet Mondrian is one of my favorite painters, I love Dali and Caravaggio. Yuko Ota and Meredith Gran have some of the best comic timing and gorgeously clean art. Takako Shimura has comics fill of emotional characters and art that has a nice weight to it. So many cartoons, I loved The Weekenders and Recess as a kid. I've pulled visual cues I like from Jen Wang, I really like the was she draws eyes. Craig Thompson's work is gorgeous and made me want to try harder with brushes/brush pens. Internet discussions have made me more confident and inspired to try a broader variety in body types and more diversity, even though plenty of my early characters had variety.
If you could, what in your career would you do-over or change?
All of my past experiences have brought me to where I am now and things would be different if I changed anything. That said, it'd be interesting to see how things could be different if I had gone into college focusing on comics and art and not transferring to comics after a few years in science.
What work are you best-known for?
I don't think I'm known for anything at this moment.
What work are you most proud of?
"How to Make Friends and Captivate People", it's my longest comic to date at 28 pages or so, the printed book has 40 because of an extra story. It was a struggle to produce as I had never tried such a long narrative and I misjudged how long it would take.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I'd like to continue working on my various stories and characters. I have a female knight and prince story; a group of theater nerd kids; a depressed robot and a myriad of others that I'm sketching out and thinking over slowly. I have a lot of ideas and just need the money and time to focus on them.
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I'll
step away from a project and create differently. Changing media or
tools helps to reinvigorate me to focus on the main projects I'm working
toward. This year I got into Hamilton and drew a mess of art, sketches
and comics and in the past few weeks I've been listening to the audiobook
of Jurassic Park and have had a wealth of ideas for mini comics about
the first book that have relatively little to do with the movie.
Sometimes indulging and receiving media is necessary to get a new spark,
you'll see the right turn of phrase and everything starts turning again
and you can keep creating. Another thing I've done, in 2013 after
college I stopped drawing just to take a break and I felt awful not
drawing anything after a few months so I forced myself to do a little
sketch before bed.Those sketches turned into a sketchbook I have a shows for sale as I worked through being burnt out and getting back into the groove of production. In 2014 I did a daily sketchbook where I tried different ideas in the small spaces I had. These were for me but sharing them was a great experience too as I became more comfortable with what I could do in the space provided and looked up new topics.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
More independent creators and creator owned work becoming popular and bigger powerhouses in comics shops. Image does an amazing job putting creators first and Fantom Comics in Dupont Circle works so hard to promote creator own material even as they stock DC and Marvel. They're still big in supporting local DMV creators.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
I've attended SPX since 2012 and this is my first year tabling it, I'm excited. It's a lovely show to attend, a large crowd but there's so much positivity and love for comics in everyone attending and tabling it's great. I'll have at least one new book there that weekend that I'm working on. I'm at L7.
BMore Into Comics in Baltimore is a fun little day show. It's
tiny -- in a bar -- but as an attendee you would have plenty of time to
talk to the local artists who are tabling. An upside to small shows
over big shows and some great local creators go there.The DC Zinefest - I've shown there since 2015, the audience is very enthusiastic. It's great seeing how many female creators there are.
The Richmond Zinefest, I've tabled there two times now, and it's been in different venues both years, but has been going on for a while in its previous venue. The way it was set up in the library felt confusing as a tabler, maybe it was better for someone who knows that library better, but I heard from many people as they stumbled to the room I was in they were surprised there was another room.
Locus Moon in Philly, I showed there in 2015, it was a ton of fun. Great creators and audience. Everyone there was super enthusiastic. I've heard they're focusing more on publishing and I'd like to go to the show again, not sure if it's happening anymore.
Comics Arts Brooklyn - a small show in a church in Brooklyn, NY. Like smaller shows you get a great change to meet and talk to a creator for a while. Attendance has been enthusiastic and it's at a pretty good time of year in November, chilly but not too cold.
What's your favorite thing about DC?
The variety of people and things to do.
Least favorite?
Metro. Also driving around here is a hassle, not always a direct way someplace. I can drive from where I am to Maryland in 30 minutes or to the middle of the city in 45.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
I don't have many visitors, I'd want to show them the [National Gallery of Art's] East and West Galleries though; I'm a big fan of art history.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
Daikaya in Chinatown. Both the upstairs Izakaya and the downstairs ramen bar.
Do you have a website or blog?
jasmine-pinales.com also meisterjdraws.tumblr.com
Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat with Michael Brace
Michael Brace is a member of the DC Conspiracy comics co-op. He was at DC Zinefest this summer, and finally agreed to answer our standard questions. He will be at SPX next month if you'd like to meet him.
What type of comic work or cartooning do you do?
I just finished my second black-and-white comic book its in a realistic style. I also contribute one-page stories to a local newspaper comic Magic Bullet and those tend to be a little more cartoony.
How do you do it? Traditional pen and ink, computer or a combination?
Mostly traditional pen and ink. I used a computer for lettering and occasionally for adding color.
When (within a decade is fine) and where were you born?1950s
Why are you in Washington now? What neighborhood or area do you live in?
Long-time Foggy Bottom resident. I came here to pursue an illustration career.
What is your training and/or education in cartooning?
Took a one-year commercial art vocational training class back in 1973.
Who are your influences?
Too many to name. I'm a big fan of turn-of-the-century book illustration (I should say turn-of-last-century book illustration) and woodblock prints.
Would have focused more on writing skills.
What work are you best-known for?
Pages in Magic Bullet and artwork for District Comics.
What work are you most proud of?
Managing to finish two comic books.
What would you like to do or work on in the future?
I would like to expand on my last comic "Never Rescue an Octopus from a Tree".
What do you do when you're in a rut or have writer's block?
I try to have a couple of projects going so I can switch off to keep things fresh.
What do you think will be the future of your field?
I think independent comics will continue to expand on both the web and in print. Flexibility is key.
What local cons do you attend? The Small Press Expo, Intervention, or others? Any comments about attending them?
Zine Fest and Small Press Expo this year. Great to have an alternative to superhero cons.
What's your favorite thing about DC?Don't need a car to get around.
Least favorite?
The local neighborhoods are being gobbled up.
What monument or museum do like to take visitors to?
Air and Space Museum and National Cathedral.
How about a favorite local restaurant?
No longer around "Dove and Rainbow." Made their pizzas with Greek cheeses, they were great.
Do you have a website or blog?
Not at this time.
Nell Minow interviews Kubo director
Interview: Travis Knight on "Kubo and the Two Strings"
by Nell Minow
August 2016
http://www.beliefnet.com/columnists/moviemom/2016/08/interview-travis-knight-kubo-two-strings.html
Michael Cavna on his scrubbed comic strip Nickipedia
What I learned about comic writing from Larry Wilmore
Washington Post Comic Riffs August 17 2016
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2016/08/17/what-i-learned-about-comic-writing-from-larry-wilmore/
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
PR: SPX 2016 Announces Spanish Fever
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