Monday, March 23, 2009

Cavna animator interview on Post website, so you don't have to buy the paper

"The Interview: Animator Bryan Brinkman," Michael Cavna, March 23, 2009.

Post dropping 6 comics, not 5

Today the Post reported that it's dropping 6 comics - adding "Brevity" to the list of "Judge Parker," "Little Dog Lost," "Piranha Club," "Pooch Cafe" and "Zippy the Pinhead" - and shrinking the comics pages to 2 instead of 3. Dilbert is moving back to the comics section as the Business section goes down the tubes.

Comments are invited at comics@washpost.com

I'm sure they'll be announcing a price increase any day too. You know - this pisses me off - I actually subscribe to the paper and pay to get it and its ads, and they keep taking out stuff I read, but still offering it free on the web. Nice business model. Perhaps Madoff gave lessons on running newspapers too.

And for god's sake, drop Peanuts rather than a living strip. I loved it, I buy the Fantagraphics collections, and I don't need it in place of a current strip.

[I just made the last two paragraphs the core of my letter to the Post]

Sunday, March 22, 2009

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-25-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-25-09
By John Judy

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #589 by Fred Van Lente and Paulo Siqueira. Spidey’s old foe The Spot is breaking into the murder-for-hire biz. Don’t judge. It’s a bad economy and we’ve all gotta go where the work is.

AMERICAN JESUS, VOL. 1: CHOSEN SC by Mark Millar and Peter Gross. From the Department of Things That Can (and probably will) Go Horribly Wrong, it’s the story of a twelve year-old boy who discovers he’s the returned Jesus Christ with all the perks and liabilities. Did I mention it’s written by the guy who wrote ULTIMATES and KICK-ASS? Gotta look! (Especially if you’re from a right-wing fundie censorship organization!)

CAPTAIN AMERICA #48 by Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice. Bucky America, the Sub-Mariner and the Black Widow continue their unauthorized covert aggression against the Chinese super-scientist who done ‘em wrong. Guest-starring the original dead Human Torch.

DAREDEVIL #117 by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. Daredevil returns to his own comic book and the Kingpin returns to the Big Apple! DD’s and KP’s latest gal-pals just got all messed up so there’s bound to be some tension. Recommended.

IMMORTAL IRON FIST #24 by Duane Swierczynski and Kano. Bad as all get-out kung-fu mayhem as only an artist with one name can draw it!

MIGHTY AVENGERS #23 by Dan Slott and Khoi Pham. A new Avengers line-up is revealed in the traditional manner: Big Fight!

NEW AVENGERS #51 by Brian Michael Bendis and Billy Tan. As Sorcerer Supreme it appears ol’ Doc Strange just hasn’t been cutting the mustard as of late so it’s time for a big old magical Ruckus Royale to find a new one. Look for lots of gobbledy-gook, magic-looking letter fonts. Don’t strain your eyes, just assume it rhymes and sounds cool if Ian McKellen’s reading it.

THUNDERBOLTS #130 by Andy Diggle and Bong Dazo. Screw the comic book, don’t you wish your name was “Bong Dazo?”

TOP TEN SPECIAL #1 by Xander Cannon and Da Xiong. It’s a little courtroom drama in the City of Super-Heroes. Recommended even without Alan Moore scripting.

WOLVERINE SAGA #1 by No Credits. It’s the story of the fast-healing mutant Canucklehead James Howlett/Logan/Wolverine/Patch or whatever he’s calling himself today and get this: It’s Free. No charge. On the House of Ideas. You’d almost think there was a big-budget action movie someone was trying to promote…

WOLVERINE: FIRST CLASS #13 by Peter David and Ronan Cliquet. Okay, so “Ronan Cliquet” is no “Bong Dazo” but it’s up there. Are these the Sarah Palin kids nobody talks about?

www.johnjudy.net

Another Batcave Companion interview

See "Batman in the '60s & '70s: 'The Batcave Companion'," By Zack Smith, Newsarama 20 March 2009.

Zadzooks and Bennett's Best

Zadzooks is on toys again - "Zadzooks: Predator: The Cleaner and Darth Vader's T.I.E. Fighter," Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times Wednesday, March 18, 2009.

And Greg recommends some old DC, a new Vertigo title and Humbug -

"Bennett's Best for the week of March 15," By Greg Bennett, Zadzooks Blog March 20 2009.

"Bennett's Best for the week of March 8," By Greg Bennett, Zadzooks Blog March 19 2009.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Frederick's Mike Imboden interviewed

See:

Episode 89: Jimmy Gownley - Mike Imboden
Comixology's It Came Out On Wednesday blog March 11, 2009

In the sixth New York Comic Con 2009 special podcast, we're joined by Amelia Rules creator Jimmy Gownley and by Mike Imboden, creator of Fist of Justice from Digital Webbing.

Wuerker to speak in Lebanon Valley

According to their website:

Cartoonist to Examine the Funny Side of Terror at LVC's Colloquium

Political cartoonist Matt Wuerker will look at The Funny Side of the Age of Terror as part of Lebanon Valley College’s Age of Terror Colloquium. He will speak on Friday, April 3 at 7 p.m. in LVC’s Zimmerman Recital Hall in the Suzanne H. Arnold Gallery. His talk is free and open to the public.

Wuerker will ask: “Do we have to be terrorized? Given all the troubles and tensions of the world perhaps humor is a better response.” Wuerker, a cartoonist for politico.com, will make his case that the war on terror might best be waged with satire. “Besides helping us not lose our own minds and own civil liberties, perhaps humor is the best response to those that would make us into monsters,” he believes. “Laughter can be disarming, and in many ways it is the most civilized way to attack those people that despise our civilization. Besides, if we turn them into jokes it will drive them crazy.”

April 1: Barry Kitson Signing at Cards, Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD

Barry Kitson Signing at Cards, Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD

REISTERSTOWN, MD - MARCH 18, 2009 - Barry Kitson, artist of Marvel Comics' Amazing Spider-Man, will appear at Cards, Comics & Collectibles of Reisterstown, MD on Wednesday April 1, 2009. No joke!

Barry, whose work on Amazing Spider-Man includes the first story in the best-selling "Obama issue" #583, has had his work published in many titles, including runs on Marvel's The Order and Secret Invasion: Fantastic Four and DC's Legion of Super-Heroes, The Titans, and Empire.

The signing will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 from 3pm to 7:30pm. Our address is 100 A Chartley Dr., Reisterstown, MD 21136. For more information, call Cards, Comics & Collectibles at 410-526-7410.

May 1st starts our 25th year!

March 23: Chabon at GWU

From GWU's English Dept blog (!)

Thursday, February 26, 2009
For Your Calendar: Chabon and Jones (March 23)
The author of The Yiddish Policemen's Union, Wonder Boys, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, Summerland, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh -- and MORE -- will read from his work and then be interviewed live by Professor Faye Moskowitz.

Michael Chabon will be introduced by Edward P. Jones, GW's first Wang Professor of Contemporary Literature.

The event begins at 7 PM on Monday March 23 in the Jack Morton Auditorium, and is followed by a book signing for both Chabon and Jones. Free and open to all who wish to attend, but seating is on a first-available basis.

The auditorium is in the School of Media and Public Affairs, 805 21st Street, NW Washington, DC 20052

OT: David Lozell Martin's book signing on Sunday that I'm going to

My friend the novelist David Lozell Martin will be reading from his new autobiography. I'll be going to Shirlington tomorrow if anyone wants to meet up.


Busboys @ Shirlington
4251 South Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
(703) 379-9757

Author Event: David Lozell Martin
When Sunday, March 22, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where Shirlington Library/Busboys and Poets

Description Author David Lozell Martin will discuss and sign his most recent work, "Losing Everything: A Memoir". "Losing Everything" is less about getting lost and more about finding your way home again. In his pursuit of stability, Martin uncovered lessons that might help others who have encountered loss: take pleasure in something as small as an ampersand, keep a list of people you know who have died, meet your own death like a warrior, and be glad you don't own a monkey. Deeply personal yet surprisingly universal, Martin's story is for anyone who has wandered astray. If not a road map, his journey is a guide, providing hard-earned wisdom to illuminate the path home. Discussion will take place at Shirlington Library, followed by a book signing at Busboys and Poets.

This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

My thoughts on Watchmen

So I finally saw the Watchmen movie last night. For years, I've been saying that 1.) this is not a comic book to recommend to a beginning reader of comics and 2.) I don't know who'd they'd expect to see this movie because you really have to care about superheroes.

I stand by those statements.

I also enjoyed the movie, but I've been reading comic books for over thirty years.

I liked it fine for what it was - a lavish, yet slavish, adaptation of a comic book of limited interest to a broader public.

Snyder's second comic book adaptation followed the path of 300, his first - he used the comic book as a storyboard and made a visually-stunning movie. Watchmen is lush and lovely and just ooozes thoughtful caring. And I appreciated that. And about 1/3 of the readers of this blog probably will as well.

But if you didn't grow up on superhero comic books (movies don't count), this probably isn't the movie for you.

Richmond's Adhouse Books has another sweeet one coming out

See "Pixar & Comics - Ronnie del Carmen on 'And There Your Are'," By Chris Arrant, Newsarama 18 March 2009. Publisher Pitzer is usually at SPX with a pile of lovelies.

Geppi's Museum baseball game discount

I've said it before, but I love this museum.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date of Release: March 19, 2009

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum announces dollar-day admission during Orioles’ and Ravens’ 2009 home games

BALTIMORE – With families more challenged than ever to find economical forms of entertainment, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards (“GEM”) has stepped up to the plate with a budget-pleasing offer. On any day that the Os or Ravens have home games scheduled this year, admission to the museum – located adjacent to Oriole Park – will be only $1.

“This special offer is an unbeatable value,” said GEM’s Executive Director, Melissa Bowersox, “Our hours of operation will be extended on home game days to allow individuals and families to experience America’s most exciting pop culture museum at a very affordable price. Whether you’re attending a game or just in the area, the admission will be only a dollar.”

A tour guide is required for all groups availing themselves of the Game Day Special. An additional $1 per person tour-guide fee will be added to admission, for a total of $2 per person. Groups at this rate must adhere to guided-tour times of 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30pm. This rate is valid on HOME Game Days only for the Baltimore Orioles 2009 season and Baltimore Ravens 2009 season, and is valid for one group per tour time.

Other discounts available at GEM include; half-price Tuesdays and Thursdays. Last year, GEM introduced half-price Tuesdays, and it proved so popular, a second half-price day – Thursday – was added.

GEM also offers $2 off admission to those who “go green” with transportation and show a public transportation ticket when entering GEM (not valid with any other offers or discounts).

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards is located on the second floor at 301 W. Camden St., Baltimore, MD 21201. For additional information call 410-625-7060, email info@geppismuseum.com or log on to www.geppismuseum.com.

Editorial cartoonist Bill Day let go, interviewed at Comic Riffs

See "The Exit Interview: Pink-Slipped Memphis Cartoonist Bill Day," By Michael Cavna, Washington Post Comic Riffs blog March 19, 2009. I believe it's becoming apparent that firing your cartoonist is becoming a fad at newspapers, and publishers are doing it now because everyone else is.

Horrors of War story preview available

Troy Allen writes in:

Switching it up this week. I figured I'd treat you kids to a preview page of "Disposable Heroes," A short story by the Bamn crew. It is slated to be featured in the "The Horrors of War" anthology book, presented by Dr. Dremo's Taphouse (R.I.P.) and the fine people of the DC Conspiracy.

The premise for the short is based on a true life account...but, yes, that is a Star Wars homage that you are seeing below. The story revolves around SPC Sergio Estavia's experience on Christmas during the Iraqi general election. A seeminlgy quiet evening for his convoy gives way to a fiery act of revenge.

Jay did the layouts, David did the final art, and I (me) did the typos. The book is due for an April release and will be available in comic shops around the D.C., Maryland, Virginia.

You can find out more here: http://dcconspiracy.com/

March 26: Morrie Turner documentary fundraiser

Posting for Mike Rhode:


Tue Mar 17, 2009
http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20090317/pl_usnw/new_documentary_to_explore_america_s_first_multi_cultural_comic_strip;_ylc=X3oDMTB0ZWs2cDJqBF9TAzIxNTExMDUEZW1haWxJZAMxMjM3Mzc4MTQy
To: NATIONAL EDITORS

Contact: Jennifer White of NPJ Advertising & Public Relations, +1-202-347-6464, for Heaven Sent Productions

"Wee Pals" documentary coming to D.C. as the first stop on the film's tour across the country

WASHINGTON, March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actress, producer, director, comedian, and author of Master the Art of Cold Reading Angel Harper and Heaven Sent Productions will be hosting An Evening with the Stars, a discussion and screening of Keeping the Faith with Morrie, the award-winning documentary short on Morrie Turner, "Wee Pals" creator and America's first nationally syndicated African American cartoonist.

On Thursday, March 26th, D.C.'s Busboys & Poets will be holding this event of fun, food, entertainment provided by Koli Tengella, a HBO comedian and performer. In addition, there will be a discussion with Angel Harper in the Langston Hughes room at Busboys & Poets, located at 2021 14th St NW. This is the first stop on a four city tour that will showcase Harper's work and will continue on to Baltimore and Philadelphia before culminating in New York City.

Keeping The Faith With Morrie, directed by Angel Harper and produced by Heaven Sent Productions, is a documentary which chronicles the incredible life journey of African American cartoonist Morrie Turner. Turner is the first American cartoonist to have a nationally syndicated multiethnic comic strip. Morrie, following his dream, overcame emotional hurdles, and societal road blocks to become an American pop culture icon and history maker. Turner's work "strove to create an animated world of acceptance and racial tolerance through the medium of comics," says Harper regarding the film's historical and cultural impact, and is worthy of recognition.

Angel Harper, in addition to founding Heaven Sent Productions, is an actress who has appeared in such notable films as Clara's Heart (with actress Whoopi Goldberg) and Kiss the Girls (alongside actor Morgan Freeman). She is an award-winning voice-over performer and a stand-up comedian who won an "America's Funniest People" award. With "Keeping the Faith with Morrie Turner," Harper hopes to showcase Turner's influential career, humanitarianism, and determination to improve race relations.

This special screening is an effort to raise finishing funds to complete the feature length documentary film. With proper funding, Harper and the Heaven Sent team hopes to create an inspiring film detailing Morrie Turner's life and contributions, but also hopes to raise awareness of the little-known history and impact of African-American comic strips and comic strip artists on American pop culture.

Heaven Sent Productions is a non-profit production company located in Los Angeles, CA and supported by user donations and a board of trustees. Heaven Sent Productions is lead by executive producer, actress, voice-over performer, and comedian Angel Harper. One of their latest projects is award-winning documentary "Keeping the Faith with Morrie" which is currently being promoted in order to increase its running time from 10 minutes to a 60-minute documentary.

SOURCE Heaven Sent Productions

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Off to Watchmen

Back tomorrow, but I really enjoyed Super Human Resources comic book that came out today.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Comic Art Indigene artist interview


See "Q&A: Comic Artist Jolene Nenibah Yazzie," By Megan Gambino, Smithsonian's Around the Mall blog March 16, 2009.

Upcoming Appearance: Ken Marcus at Big Planet Comics in Vienna, VA

Kevin Panetta, manager at Big Planet Comics in Vienna, VA writes in to say:
No. It’s not Superman. It’s Super Human Resources scribe Ken Marcus! He’ll be here from 4PM-7PM on March 18th signing copies of the first issue of his hilarious new take on tights and capes, Super Human Resources! See what happens when Tim takes a job as a temp at a superhero agency. So stop by, get your new comics, and support a local creator all in one fell swoop!


He'll be at Bethesda from 11-2 - Mike

Ben Classen illo in Express

Ben Classen has a 4-panel comic strip in today’s Express illustrating an article on a website where people recount rotten things that have happened to them. Classen’s work, including his comic panel Dirtfarm, usually appears weekly in the City Paper.

Cathy Hunter posting for Mike Rhode