Joost Swarte at SPX!

from the New Yorker, Feb 19 2007.

Joost Swarte, one of my absolutely favorite artists will be at the Small Press Expo this year:

Small Press Expo Announces New Yorker Artist Joost Swarte As The First Guest for SPX 2008

For Immediate Release Contact: Warren Bernard
E-Mail:webernard@mindspring.com

Bethesda, Maryland; June 16, 2008 - The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, is proud to announce that we hosting the internationally famous Dutch cartoonist and designer Joost Swarte as the first guest for SPX 2008.

This year, SPX will be held Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

Mr. Swarte is best known to American audiences for his covers and illustrations for The New Yorker, along with his internationally recognized comic and poster work. He has extended his unique cartoon style into the world of industrial design by designing stained glass installations, sculptures and furniture, as well as the Toneelshuur Theater in Haarlem, The Netherlands. SPX is proud to host Mr. Swarte in one of his rare United States appearances.

Additional guests will be added over the next few weeks, please stay tuned for those announcements.

For further information on SPX, go to the website at http://www.spxpo.com.

To request an interview or other media related inquiries, please contact Warren Bernard at webernard@spxpo.com.

SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.

SPX will be open to the public from 11 am - 7 pm, Saturday, October 4 and Noon - 6 pm Sunday, October 5. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 12th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning that will occur Saturday night, October 4. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at http://www.cbldf.org/.

Founded in 1994, SPX is North America's premier alternative comic-book festival. This annual event brings together comic creators, publishers and more than 3000 fans together to celebrate the art of storytelling.

Fables article in Express

Fables by Bill Willingham and Mark Buckingham, in which the characters from Fairy Tales are real and at war, is one of my favorite comics series. The Express had this article on the comic today - "Children's & Household Tales: 'Fables'," by Matthew Siblo.

RC Harvey opens his columns to all, in a limited time offer

I enjoy the biweekly column and you should check them out now and then subscribe and send Bob some money for the next quarter.

Open Access for Seasonal Beach Reading!!!

As a special summer swimsuit offer, Rants & Raves and Harv's Hindsight, normally accessible only to those who have paid the ridiculously low subscription fee of $3.95/quarter, will be open to all comers from June 14, Flag Day, through July 31, 2008, without charge. During that time, non-paying visitors will be able to read in their entirety the regular postings of Rants & Raves, a nearly bi-weekly round-up of cartooning news and reviews of comic books, graphic novels, and comic strips. Visitors will also have unfettered access to the archives of Rancid Raves (going back to May 1999) plus Harv's Hindsight, a on-going collection of cartoonist biographies and deep-thinking critical analyses of Great Works of the Cartooning Arts. Recent R&R articles include an examination of how trivial news coverage breeds trivial editorial cartoons, how David Hajdu's Ten-cent Plague short-changes comics history, and how the Tenth of February protest against racial tokenism in the funnies failed—and succeeded—plus reviews of Wordless Books: The Original Graphic Novels, Mark Evanier's Jack Kirby, and a biography of Jackie Ormes, the first African-American woman cartoonist. And in Harv's Hindsights lately, we've examined the history of Howard the Duck and offered appreciations of Gus Arriola's Gordo, Marty Links' Emmy Lou (Bobby Sox), and T.K. Ryan's Tumbleweeds. All amply illustrated. Oh—no swimsuits; sorry, that allusion is merely our cheap shot attempt at conjuring a fool-proof come-on. We apologize: it won't happen again. To gain access to all these intellectual riches, use Hogan as your ID; Alley as your password. The device is case sensitive, so be sure to capitalize Hogan and Alley. The ID and Password come to us courtesy Hogan's Alley magazine, an annual visitation to comic strips and cartooning that's worth your attention at msnbc.cagle.com/hogan . Try it, you'll like it.

In the current (today) posting of R&R, the last dance this time goes to a review of Frederik Peeters' graphic novel Blue Pills, but before we get there, we take a look at some of the book projects on the immediate horizon, consider the achievement represented by the completed runs of Lobster Johnson and Loveless, ponder again—this time with examples—what motion should contribute to the political commentary in an editorial cartoon, and report on the reputed financial status of the funnybook industry, particularly with regard to graphic novels and manga. And more, much more. Beam up by clicking below.

http://www.rcharvey.com/rantsraves.html

Hulk and Bush in NY Times

These two articles were flanking each other on the business page. Remember, cigars kill people, not children's books.

"Physicians’ Group Furious at Cigars in ‘Hulk’ Movie," By BROOKS BARNES, New York Times June 16, 2008

"The Secret to Success in Publishing: Bash Bush, With Nods to a Classic," By JOANNE KAUFMAN, New York Times June 16, 2008.

Argyle Sweater selected by Post?

In Sunday's paper, The Knight Life was dropped in favor of The Argyle Sweater - production mixup, or early preview of the Post's decision on the tryout comics? Or was Sunday's strip, with a mention of homelessness, just too insensitive for them?

Single and Looking ending?

I have no inside knowledge, but Sunday's strip showed Dilbert and Wally being shown through the strip with a real estate agent saying "This space becomes available in two weeks." Today's strip was about a sense of something catastrophic about to happen. I hope the strip isn't ending as I like it just fine.

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-18-08

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 06-18-08
By John Judy

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #563 by Bob Gale and Mike McKone. Spidey gets in a bar fight with villains, super and otherwise. Oh, Spidey! Alcohol and web-fluid don’t mix!

ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #9 by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru. This series is officially on a par with the IDW Publishing website and the binding on their trades. “Say no more!”

ANNA MERCURY # 2 of 5 by Warren Ellis and Facundo Percio. The newest super-chick from Warren Ellis, but keep it under your hat. The folks at the Avatar Press website don’t want you to know about it.

BRAVE AND BOLD #14 by Mark Waid and Scott Kolins. The mystical city of Nanda Parbat is under siege! Its only hope lies in a guy who can shoot trick arrows really well and a guy who can’t touch anything unless he possesses the bodies of others! Green Arrow/Deadman! Because somebody, somewhere once demanded it! Probably!

CHIGGERS HC & SC written and illustrated by Hope Larson. A girl’s coming of age story set at a summer camp. By the Eisner Award winning creator of SALAMANDER DREAM and GRAY HORSES. Recommended, especially for kids.

EX MACHINA #37 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Mayor Hundred must battle a masked adventurer who has it in for George W. Bush. I certainly hope Mayor Hundred prevails. Eventually…

GHOST RIDER #24 by Jason Aaron and Tan Eng Huat. Johnny Blaze gets thrown in a maximum security prison! Fish will be cooked! Recommended!

GRENDEL: BEHOLD THE DEVIL #8 of 8 written and illustrated by Matt Wagner. The big pay-off issue in which mysteries are revealed and blood flows like respectable poetry. Neat stuff but not for kids.

HELLBLAZER #245 by Jason Aaron and Sean Murphy. A two-parter in which a group of documentary film-makers attempt to learn what became of Constantine’s old punk band Mucous Membrane. You would need to read this even if it weren’t written by the creator of SCALPED. Highly recommended.

JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #22 by Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes. Ya ever have one of those days where part of you wants a brand new chance at life but the dormant Amazo program in you wants to kill all your friends and co-workers? Well, the Red Tornado knows just how you feel.

POCKET FULL OF RAIN AND OTHER STORIES SC by Jason. Featuring 25-plus stories from the first ten years of Jason’s career, including several without talking animals! Another fine collection from the good folks at Fantagraphics.

PUNISHER #58 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. It’s the day we all feared would come: The day of the final Ennis PUNISHER story. I wonder if it will be violent… Recommended Forever.

RASL #2 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. The latest project from the creator of BONE, featuring a dimension-hopping thief and all-around ne’er do well. Entertaining but sporadically published. Good idea to reserve your copy in advance.

SCALPED #18 by Jason Aaron and Davide Furno. A rare stand-alone issue focusing on tribal policeman Franklin Falls Down. He’s getting close to retirement and how often does that work out for fictional cops? Recommended. Not for kids.

STREETS OF GLORY #5 of 6 by Garth Ennis and Mike Wolfer. Ennis’s tale of the twilight of the Wild West. Published by Avatar Press, who would rather it not get out that they actually publish comics. Recommended anyway. Not for kids.

TRINITY #3 by Kurt Busiek and Everybody. This year’s weekly DC series exploring the mysterious link between Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Oooh, I know! They’re the same person!!!

WAR IS HELL: FIRST FLIGHT OF THE PHANTOM EAGLE #4 by Garth Ennis and Howard Chaykin. The PE has the hang of this whole WWI thing, but the thrill is gone and he still has to teach some newbies how not to die. If only he had the assistance of a snarky but imaginative beagle on top of a dog house!

X-FACTOR #32 by Peter David and Valentine De Landro. Mutant-Town is dead! Long live…. Nah, let’s be honest. The place was a dump. Good to be moving on, which is what Madrox and friends are doing this issue.

Y THE LAST MAN: WHYS AND WHEREFORES, VOL. 10 SC by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra. The last volume of the last stories of the Last Man on Earth. A classic end to a series that transcended its premise. Highly recommended.

www.johnjudy.net

Zadzooks moves to Thursday

The Washington Times comics column is no longer being published in the Saturday edition, which is defunct. I wrote to Joe Szadkowski asking if his comics column was still published and he replied:

They moved me to the back of Classified on Thursday in print. On the Web site, I am under the Culture section, Family and Kids, every Thursday.

http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/jun/12/indy-and-friends-on-lego-adventure/
http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/jun/05/shark-mans-son-takes-up-crusade/

I also have a Zadzooks presence in its own TWT community.

http://www.washtimes.com/communities/zadzooks/

The second story on his new day relates to Image Comics - "Shark-Man's son takes up crusade," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Thursday, June 5, 2008. By the way, I just sent Shark-Man 2 to Michigan State's comic collection.

Brief Brad Meltzer interview on Wizard

See "WHAT'S NEXT FOR BRAD MELTZER"
The best-selling 'Identity Crisis' writer shares details on his new novel's ties to the creation of Superman, his upcoming stint on 'Buffy' and the death of the entire DC Universe!
By Andy Serwin
Posted 06/11/08

NY Times comics bits

Sturm and Tommaso's Satchel Paige is reviewed in "A League of Their Own," By KEVIN BAKER, New York Times Book Review June 15, 2008.

Tom Gauld provided the op-ed illo for "Croutons From My Father," By MEREDITH HOFFA, June 15, 2008. It's in color on the website, but was printed in b&w.

Danziger updates Mauldin

My buddy Masteribid sends in this link where Jeff Danziger updates a classic Bill Mauldin cartoon. I've seen Danziger speak a couple of times in DC - he's usually fairly quiet, but he does make some strong points when he speaks up. I really like his style as well.

Doug reads comics too, and here's his review of the direct-to-video cartoon Superman: Doomsday.

Ward Sutton in today's Washington Post

Ward Sutton's got a comics journalism piece in today's Washington Post business section, which annoyingly enough, just recapitulates the article it goes with "Adventures in Hypermiling". It's not online either.

Comics used in education in Baltimore

See "From comics to the Classics," by Madison Park, Baltimore Sun Reporter June 15, 2008 which reports on current efforts using Disney comics and the state's plan to translate simplified French versions of classic stories (although why they can't just buy Classics Illustrated is a question).

US ships Kal off to Azerbaijan

Dave Astor's got the story in "Cartoonist Kal's News Includes Trips and an Animated John McCain," E&P Online June 13, 2008. Have a good trip, Kevin!

Moving cartoons in today's papers

BRIAN STELTER for the New York Times June 14, 2008 reports that "Writers for a Fox Cartoon Walk Out" regarding Sit Down, Shut Up,” which will air next year.

The Post has an article about movies and product placement that specifically discusses Iron Man and car companies, but hasn't put the article online.

Wash Times on Animation Show

"'Animation' eclectic, imaginative," says Christian Toto, Washington Times June 13, 2008.

Hulk smash, but not as badly as he could have

Initial reviews in DC are cautiously positive.
Caution: Contents Turn Angry When Shaken
By A. O. SCOTT
New York Times June 13, 2008

GREEN MEANS GO: Dramatic Muscle Gives Strength to 'Incredible Hulk'
By Ann Hornaday
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, June 13, 2008; C01

It’s not ‘Incredible’ but it’s pretty good
by Sally Kline, The Washington Examiner Jun 13, 2008
'Incredible Hulk' restores comic-book hero
Norton opens character's tortured soul to viewers, keeps film grounded
Christian Toto
Washington Times June 13, 2008

Trudeau and McGruder bits in Post

They're both interviewed for "Comedians Of Clout: In a Funny Way, Satirical Takes Can Color Perceptions of the Presidential Contenders," By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, June 12, 2008; C01 which mainly deals with television comedians. Cavna did a nice cartoon illustration for the print version - he's done some editorial cartoons for the paper in the past. They're usually on entertainment, not politics. I think I've sent all my tearsheets of them to Michigan State.

June 13: Animation Show opens in DC

It's at the Landmark Theatres' E Street Cinema through June 19. Here's a brief review "Drawn to Adulthood: 'Animation Show' sketches of a rich variety of short films," Paul Stelter, Express June 12, 2008.

Hellman and the Hulk

The Washington City Paper has a cover by Danny Hellman, who's also still doing regular illos for the Sunday Source in the Post. It's also got a review of the Incredible Hulk movie, which I guess opens tomorrow. See "The latest Hulk is smartly big and stupid, while Savage Grace keeps its horrors pretty," By Tricia Olszewski, Washington City Paper June 12, 2008.

Meanwhile, Keith Phipps in The Onion also reviewed the Hulk fairly positively. Donna Bowman has a good review of The Pixar Touch book by David Price.