RIP Allen Bellman

by Bruce Guthrie

Allen Bellman has died.  The 96-year-old worked on Golden Age comics in the 1940s like Captain America, The Human Torch, Jap Buster Johnson, At the time, he worked for Timely Comics.  Many of the characters were later relaunched by Marvel Comics in the 1960s.

I met him in 2016 when Mark Evanier talked to him for two panels at the San Diego Comic-Con.  Captain America was especially huge back then -- it was Cap's 75th anniversary -- and I couldn't even get into one of panels.  I'm sure he enjoyed the attention for something he had worked on 60+ years before.

Mark Evanier and Bellman

Drawing in Guthrie's sketchbook

Some other pictures....  The massive crowd waiting to get into the Captain America @ 75 panel -- the one I gave up trying to get in.   

 

 

His hand with Captain America ring and nail polish. 

 

 

And his wife Roz.

 

Carla Speed McNeil panel at Comic-Con

CCI: Spotlight On Carla Speed McNeil
by Pam Auditore
Tue, July 27th, 2010

Weldon on Scott Pilgrim movie and Comic-Con

A Fan's Notes: Being A Non-Spoilery Nonreview Of The 'Scott Pilgrim' Movie
by Glen Weldon
July 27, 2010

The 2nd Annual Monkey See Comic-Con Post-Mortem
by Glen Weldon
July 28, 2010

Washington Post on Comics-Con

An article in print today -

Comic-Con in San Diego makes a heroic effort to party hearty
By Jen Chaney
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, July 24, 2010; C05

and five more stories on their Comic Riffs blog

COMIC-CON 2010: Legend STAN LEE talks 'geek power,' new movies -- & why he was embarrassed to be a comic-book writer
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: 'iCarly's' JERRY TRAINOR goes 'b-i-g' to voice the new cartoon 'T.U.F.F. Puppy'
By Michael Cavna | July 24, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010 Interviews: MAD magazine artists 'excited' about TV show for a new generation
By Michael Cavna | July 24, 2010

COMIC-CON 2010: 'Opus's' BERKELEY BREATHED talks pigs, penguins & the thrill of adapting 'Pete & Pickles' for animation
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010


COMIC-CON 2010: Rising OLIVIA MUNN has already inherited the geeks. Will she now inherit the Earth?
By Michael Cavna | July 23, 2010

Comic Riffs interviews Keith Knight and Dan DiDio

COMIC-CON 2010: Keith Knight talks new books, Nappy Hours & why he won't be on an Angry Black Panel
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22, 2010


COMIC-CON 2010: DC's DAN DiDIO talks Superman, Wonder Woman & why he loves fan interaction
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22, 2010

Riffs on Comic-con's overgrowth

Has COMIC-CON outgrown San Diego? 9 big-time guests tell us where to go
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 21, 2010

I think Cavna's gone home for the madness as he says he'll be posting on the Con frequently.

Truitt in today's USA Weekend on San Diego Comic-Con

Let us tweet you to comics' nuttiest event, By BRIAN TRUITT, USA Weekend July 18, 2010 is also in the print edition, distributed with the Washington Examiner, on page 13.

San Diego Comic-Con founder obit in Post's Metro section

Nelson, Valerie J. / Los Angeles Times.  2009.
Shel Dorf, 78: Artist turned spotlight on cartoonists with Comic-Con.
Washington Post (November 12)

Here's the Times - Sheldon Dorf, Founder of Comic-Con, Dies at 76, By GEORGE GENE GUSTINES, November 12, 2009/

Is it Live? Or is it Richard Thompson?

Tom Racine recorded one of the panels Our Man Thompson was on at San Diego - and it's on his Tall Tale Radio site (which has lots of other interviews on it). Return with us to the thrilling days of yestermonth as Thompson, Stephan Pastis and Keith Knight ride again!

Weldon, Cavna on San Diego Comic-Con

"Comic-Con: The Post-Mortem," by Glen Weldon, National Public Radio's Monkey See blog July 29, 2009.

Michael Cavna had a few quotes from 3 of my favorite cartoonists, including Our Man Thompson. The other two are Keith Knight and Stephan Pastis.

San Diego Comic Con in Wash Post

The print version has an Associated Press article, although Comic Riffs' Michael Cavna, a Post editor, is there.

Comic Riffs also asks, "How about that San Diego Comic-Con"

What's interesting is that Cavna asks Aragones, Johnston, Gaiman, Pastis and Lee. He also adds insult to injury by caricaturing them.

See "San Diego Comic-Con: 5 Star Cartoonists Do the Time Warp Again," by Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog July 22 2009.

Cavna, along with Richard Thompson, is at the Comics Con, thus providing a sizable DC contingent.

OT: DC Comics internship contest

Here's some PR that I agree to post, although I note I'm really ComicsDC, not DC Comics. It's very important that DC is aware of that distinction (wink, wink). Beyond getting the PR up here, I have nothing to do with this, but it sounds like a nice opportunity.

2009 Design Scholarship Challenge Announced
Aspiring graphic designs students compete for $25,000 tuition scholarship and a chance to work on a DC Comics marketing campaign

Aspiring graphic designers have until June 8 to submit entries to the “2009 Design Scholarship Challenge” to compete for the national prize, an opportunity to work with DC Comics on an upcoming marketing campaign for “Absolute Justice” and a $25,000 tuition scholarship to one of the sponsoring design schools. Hopefuls should submit entries to one of the schools which are: the 11 International Academy of Design & Technology (Academy) campuses, located in Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Online Campus, Orlando, Sacramento, San Antonio, Schaumburg (IL), Seattle, Nashville, and Tampa; as well as Brooks Institute, Brown College, Collins College, and Harrington College of Design.

The first round of judging will be conducted by a panel of faculty and employees at each local campus and winners will be selected by June 19, 2009. The final round will be conducted by a national panel including representatives from DC Comics. The National Winner will be announced in July at San Diego Comic-Con 2009.

“A local winner will be selected from each campus and all 15 will receive a $5,000 tuition scholarship to the sponsoring school of their choice plus a three-day, two-night expense-paid trip to San Diego to attend Comic-Con 2009 where the national winner will be named and will receive an additional $20,000 tuition scholarship to the sponsoring school of their choice,” said Tom McNamara, senior vice president, Art & Design group of Career Education Corporation. “This is an opportunity to experience the real world of graphic design with all of its challenges. The entry requirements are demanding, but the rewards will jump start the education and future careers of several talented students.”

The contest is open to legal residents of the United States who will graduate from high school or receive a GED between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2010. The contest application, along with detailed instructions is available at www.visualdiner.com. See rules for full eligibility requirements. Void where prohibited.

Participants must submit original designs for a print and an online advertisement for the “Absolute Justice” graphic novel, full of some of the most popular DC Comic characters, along with a completed detail sheet which includes a short inspiration statement. Local winners will receive a second creative brief and specifications for an as yet-to-be released DC Comics publication and must present a second set of a print and an online advertisement to a panel of judges at Comic-Con 2009. In addition to the finished print and online advertisements, local winners must also submit a binder on their design process including a written summary of people contacted for information about the project and the advice they provided, sketches, illustrations, photographs or digital images of the project as it evolved from concept to completion, a summary of influences on your entry and a written summary of your overall concept.

“This is more than a scholarship competition,” McNamara said. “It’s an opportunity to gain experience and exposure in the world of graphic design and to test your hand in a rewarding and exciting line of work.

Richard Thompson at San Diego Comic-Con

Now it can be told! Even if he's not on YouTube, Richard will be a guest at the San Diego Comic-Con this year - he's got a link to an interview the Con did with him up now.

OT: Bruce Guthrie's photos of San Diego Comic-Con

Bruce usually photographs in the DC area, but he's gone to San Diego quite a few times. Here's links to his latest pictures:

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Panels (day 2 of 4) part 1

(1) Batman: Brave & Bold— Join producers Sam Register (Teen Titans) and James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited) as they discuss their latest take on the Dark Knight from their new show premiering this fall on Cartoon Network. Show story editor Michael Jelenic (The Batman), directors Brandon Vietti (Superman Doomsday), Ben Jones (Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo), Michael Chang (Teen Titans), voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday) and the new voice of Batman, Diedrich Bader (Surfs Up), will join Sam and James for an exclusive first look at the series, a brief discussion, followed by a Q&A session!

(2) Stargate Continuum— Following on the heels of the hit DVD release Ark of Truth, the next full-length feature will be released Tuesday, July 29, with principal cast members returning for the biggest adventure of them all! This panel features Brad Wright (series co-creator and Continuum developer, executive producer and writer), Martin Wood (director), and (subject to availability) stars Richard Dean Anderson (General Jack O'Neill), Amanda Tapping (Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter), Ben Browder (Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell), Michael Shanks (Dr. Daniel Jackson), and Christopher Judge (Teal'c).

(3) Stargate Worlds— After nearly 15 years on the air, the Stargate franchise is launching its first-ever multilevel online game, with all the elements—and more!—fans expect from the Stargate family. The key creative team from Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment and FireSky Studios present a compelling sneak-peek and answer questions. Panelists include Brad Wright (Stargate series' co-creator, executive producer and writer) plus Dan Elggren (FireSky Studio head), Chris Klug (creative director), Howard Lyon (art director), and Demetrius Comes (director of technology).

(4) Stargate Atlantis— With new allies and new challenges, Stargate Atlantis is making big waves in its action-packed fifth season. Be on hand for this exclusive panel discussion with the cast and creators of SCI FI's hit series. Panelists include cast members Joe Flanigan, Robert Picardo, and Jewel Staite, co-creator and executive producer Brad Wright, and , Chris Sanagustin, VP original programming SCI FI. Moderated by Martin Gero, executive producer.


San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Artists (day 2 of 4)

Artists include: Megan Franich, Mick Foley, Virgil, Lori Petty, Jane Wiedlin, Gordon Kent, Steve Leiahola, Scott Shaw!, Dean Yeagle, Dean Haglund, Jim Balent, Brian Laub, Jim Starlin, Kevin Eastman, Bill Willingham, Joshua Ortega, Marc Andreyko, Jonathan Wayshack, Mike Carlin, and Jonathan Frakes.

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Panels (day 2 of 4) part 2

(5) Joss Whedon— Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and the writers and cast of his new short film, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, will show never-before-seen clips while Joss also discusses Buffy Season Eight, the Fray crossover, and the upcoming Serenity comic focusing on Shepherd Book.

(6) American Dad— Seth MacFarlane and the cast of the Fox animated hit reunite at Comic-Con to read a never-before-seen episode and take questions from the audience.

(7) Family Guy— Stars Seth MacFarlane and Seth Green and the producers of the Fox animated hit give fans a sneak peek at a never-before-seen episode and discuss the highly anticipated spinoff The Cleveland Show.

(8) Bones— Join the entire cast (David Boreanaz, Emily Deschanel, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, John Francis Daley) and creators Hart Hanson and Barry Josephson for an hour of behind-the-scenes secrets and the chance to ask them everything you always wanted to know about the hit Fox drama.

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Miscellaneous (day 2 of 4)

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Panels (day 1 of 4) part 2

(5) Robotech Industry Panel— Tommy Yune, director of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles, covers the history of the animated series that introduced a generation to anime and discusses upcoming new releases in the wake of the announcement of the live-action feature film.

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Panels (day 1 of 4) part 3

(6) Lionsgate and Marvel: Punisher: War Zone!— Producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Incredible Hulk) and stars Ray Stevenson (Rome) and Julie Benz (Rambo, Dexter) take you into the world of the Punisher for an exclusive first look. You won't be prepared!

(7) Lionsgate and Twisted Pictures: Saw 5— Join director David Hackl, along with the filmmakers and cast for an exclusive first look at the latest terrifying installment of the most successful horror series in history!

San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Panels (day 1 of 4) part 4

(8) Repo! The Genetic Opera First Look— See what director Darren Lynn Bousman has been up to since directing the last three Saw movies: Repo! The Genetic Opera. Check out the phenomenon that is this Goth Rock musical with sneak peeks and the new trailer plus stories from Darren and the actors themselves, including Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Bill Moseley (The Devil’s Rejects), and Ogre (the band Skinny Puppy), among others.

(9) Warner Premiere and Warner Home Video: World Premiere of Lost Boys The Tribe— Prepare to sink your teeth into the long-awaited and highly anticipated next chapter of the cult phenomenon started by the 1987 cult classic, and be the first to see Lost Boys The Tribe before its July 29 DVD release at this special world premiere. More than 20 years in the making, Lost Boys The Tribe is an homage to the original 1987 cult hit and stars Corey Feldman as vampire hunter Edgar Frog, along with Tad Hilgenbrinck, Angus Sutherland, and Autumn Reeser, with appearances by Jamison Newlander and Corey Haim. Meet the cast and filmmakers as director P J Pesce and original Lost Boys star Corey Feldman are joined by Tad Hilgenbrinck, Angus Sutherland, and Autumn Reeser to answer questions and talk about the making of this new horror classic.


San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Miscellaneous (day 0 of 4)


San Diego, CA -- Comic-Con International 2008 -- Artists (day 0 of 4)
Artists include: Darwyn Cooke, Jerry Robinson, Adam Hughes, Dave Dorman, Michael Golden, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jimmy Palmiotti, Matt Wagner, Arthur Adams, Amanda Conner, Kevin Eastman, Steve Rude, Phil and Kaja Foglio, Greg Evans, Mike Royer, William Tucci, Lou Ferrigno, Jim Balent, Becky Cloonan, and J. Scott Campbell.

Hellboy game review in Onion UPDATED

This is in the physical paper this week - "Hellboy: Science Of Evil," Reviewed by Scott Jones, Onion July 21st, 2008.

Other items on comics are appearing on their website:

Jeff Smith
Interviewed by Tasha Robinson
Onion July 28th, 2008

Jules Feiffer
interviewed by Sam Adams
Onion July 29th, 2008

Mike Mignola
Interviewed by Jason Heller
July 24th, 2008

The Luna Brothers
Interviewed by Tasha Robinson
Onion July 25th, 2008

San Diego Comic Con, Day 0: July 23, 2008
By Keith Phipps
Onion July 24th, 2008


Your guide to the WALL-E controversy
posted by: Sean O'Neal
July 10, 2008

New York Times coverage of San Diego Comic-con

"Comic-Con Brings Out the Stars, and Plugs for Movies," By MICHAEL CIEPLY, New York Times July 25, 2008.

"Comics for a Story by Stephen King, Too," By JULIE BOSMAN, New York Times July 26, 2008.

"In Comic-Con Galaxy, Stars and Terrestrials Meet," By MICHAEL CIEPLY, New York Times July 26, 2008.