I have seen the future of animation

...and it looks a lot like the past. Ponyo rocks! When Miyazaki melds the Little Mermaid with Apocalypse Now, adds a strong shot of Verne's Captain Nemo and liberally seasons with JG Ballard's The Drowned World and shakes well, we get Ponyo.

Weingarten and Shansby seek government employment

Unfortunately the Bureau of Public Dept has canceled the job opening, but should it reopen the duo stand ready as evidenced by Owe, That's a Riot! Red ink is no reason to feel blue, By Gene Weingarten and Eric Shansby, Washington Post Magazine Sunday, August 16, 2009.

Watch Your Head sneaks condom gag in on Post

After having a storyline about Quincy's girlfriend who was pretending to be pregnant to get married, the Watch Your Head strip ended up on August 11th with a condom joke, using terminology that became common during the AIDS crisis. As his friend says, "...You'd think someone like you would always wear a helmet." "I don't like the way headgear feels," replies Quincy.

I can't believe we're protected by the Post's vigilant editors from Dick Cheney innuendos in Tank McNamara, but Cory Thomas is able to sneak such filthy double entendres in.

Aug 17: Batman in Crystal City

Crystal Screen - Superheroes

Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities.

Date(s):
May 4, 2009 - September 21, 2009

Location:
18th and Bell Street - Courtyard Across from Crystal City Metro Station & Marriott Hotel

Event Fee:
Free

Hours:
Movies begin at sundown

Description:
Join the Crystal City BID for 21 weeks of Superheros! On Monday nights from May 4, 2009-September 21, 2009, Crystal City will be protected by Batman, Spiderman, Superman, and many others. Each night will also have special giveaways, sponsors, and other activities. Check back here for more information.

CRYSTAL KID BONUS: Since it gets dark later in the summer and movies often start past bedtime, the BID has partnered with Crystal City Sports Pub to rebroadcast each movie at 3:30 PM on the 3rd Floor of CCSP on the Wednesday following the outdoor showing, starting May 6. Bring your kids and a blanket and enjoy the fabulous surround network of TVs.

Festival Rules: Patrons can bring their own picnics as long as they abide by city and festival rules. Low-backed chairs and blankets are allowed, but grills, umbrellas, and pets are prohibited.


Schedule

August 17, 2009 - Batman
August 19, 2009 - Batman - at CCSP
August 24, 2009 - Batman Returns
August 26, 2009 - Batman Returns - at CCSP
August 31, 2009 - Batman Forever
September 2, 2009 - Batman Forever - at CCSP
September 7, 2009 - Batman & Robin
September 9, 2009 - Batman & Robin - at CCSP
September 14, 2009 - Batman Begins
September 16, 2009 - Batman Begins - at CCSP
September 21, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight
September 23, 2009 - Batman: The Dark Knight - at CCSP

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!

Glenn Martin, DDS animator featured in Post

See "The Back Story: This Animator Knows the Drill," Washington Post August 16 2009

Astro Boy videogame interview

DC apparently has a Videogame Examiner as well as a Comic Book one - here's a story about the Japanese hero Astro Boy.

Interview: Astro Boy: The Video Game, Cameron Rains, Producer, High Voltage Software
August 13, 2009
DC Video Game Examiner James Fleenor

American Association of University Professors president condemns Yale's cowardice on Danish Islam cartoons

See the Washington, DC-based American Association of University Professors' letter at "Academic Freedom Abridged at Yale Press" August 13, 2009.

Here's what the book's author thinks - "Culture Vulture: Interview with Prof. Jytte Klausen," by Helen Epstein, ArtsFuse blog on Aug 14, 2009.

William Gropper and a Semi- Secret History of Comics

I ran across the above at a flea market recently. Gropper sounded familiar, so I picked it up.

According to William Gropper Papers: An inventory of his papers at Syracuse University, Gropper was a leftist cartoonist, but he apparently had to make a living like everyone else and the library has a clippings file of:

New York American 1934, undated - includes Robert Benchley columns (2 folders)


I assume this drawing is for Benchley's column, but when Benchley's collection My Ten Years in a Quandry, and How They Grew came out, it was illustrated by the great Gluyas Williams. So my guess, and it's just a guess, is that nobody's really seen Gropper's illustrations for Benchley since they were done. In the book, one can find The Rule of 87, doubtless the work of fanatical reformers, is as follows: "One twin birth occurs to approximately 87 single births; one triplet to about 7,569 singles (87 squared); one quadruplet to about 658,503 singles (87 cubed); one quintuplet to about 57 million singles (87 to fourth power); one sextuplet to about five billion singles (87 to fifth power)". that's the rule. That's what we are supposed to abide by, whether we want to or not.

I'm sure modern fertility drugs have completely changed the rule.

This post benefited greatly from the help of Sara Duke of the Library of Congress. A search of the Library of Congress collections brings up 34 pieces by Gropper - to see them, go to http://lcweb2.loc.gov/pp/pphome.html and type in "William Gropper".

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 08-19-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 08-19-09

By John Judy

 

A.D.: NEW ORLEANS AFTER THE DELUGE GN written and drawn by Josh Neufeld.  Taking you back to the glory days of 2005 when Brownie was doing a heck of a job and nearly 2000 citizens of The Big Easy died before a certain Leader of the Free World was moved to joke about how drunk he used to get there in his younger days.  Recommended.

 

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #603 by Fred Van Lente and Barry Kitson.  The Chameleon versus… Mary-Jane?  OK, that's more like it because really, The Chameleon?  I can beat The Chameleon and so can you.

 

ARCHIE #600 by Michael Uslan and Stan Goldberg.  Archie pops the question!  The Riverdale Gang is done with college and now it's time to make a lifetime commitment when you're barely into your twenties?  Reserve your copy now because this will no doubt get lots of media attention from reporters who like to use the words "Biff" and "Pow."

 

BATGIRL #1 by Bryan Q. Miller and Lee Garbett.  Now serving Number Six…  Seriously, this is the sixth Batgirl to grace the mean streets of Gotham.  And you thought Robin was a high turnover gig.

 

BLACKEST NIGHT: SUPERMAN #1 of 3 by James Robinson and Eddy Barrows.  The dead Earth-2 Superman is back and he's got some new jewelry.  Hijinks ensue.

 

DAREDEVIL #500 by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark.  Kingpin, Lady Bullseye and almost no mention of Norman Osborn! How?  How is this possible?!

 

DARK ENTRIES HC by Ian Rankin and Werther Dell'Edera.  Here's how you make reality TV worth watching: Put John Constantine on it and watch him kick the whole thing upside-down.  Not for kids.  Recommended.

 

DAYS MISSING #1 of 5 by Phil Hester and Frazer Irving.  The story of everyone's first semester of college… No, seriously it's about a guy who can erase certain things from the collective memory of mankind, for our own good.  I nominate "American Idol" and anything attached to the name "Palin."

 

EX MACHINA #44 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris.  Mayor Hundred descends into the rat-infested sewers of New York.  Is it fund-raising time already?  Recommended.

 

FILTHY RICH HC by Brian Azzarello and Victor Santos.  Spoiled rich heiresses and the washed-up losers who love them.  Not for kids.

 

HELLBLAZER #258 by Peter Milligan and Giuseppe Camuncoli.  Constantine must seduce a 2000 year-old demon, preferably without mentioning her bottle blonde hair, prominent Adam's apple and many appearances on Fox News.

 

MIGHTY AVENGERS #28 by Dan Slott and Khoi Pham.  Lotsa craziness, guest-starring the Young Avengers!  Plus, the coolest scientist in comics, Hank Pym!  In your face, Reed Richards!

 

PUNISHER: FRANK CASTLE MAX  #73 by Victor Gischler and Goran Parlov.  The guy in Frank's trunk just woke up.  That always adds spice to a Punisher book.  Fun stuff.  NOT for kids.

 

RED CIRCLE: THE WEB #1 by J. Michael Straczynski and Roger Robinson.  A callow billionaire is secretly a super-hero!  What will they think of next?

 

THE STAND: AMERICAN NIGHTMARES #5 of 5 by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins.  The survivors of Captain Trips start coming together, for better or for worse.  Get ready for Volume Three: Sole Survivors.  Recommended.

 

SUPERMAN ANNUAL #14 by James Robinson and Javier Pina.  Celebrating 14 years since the Man of Steel first hit the racks!  Yeah, I remember where I was in 1995 when those crazy kids Siegel and Shuster took the world by storm.  Sure we lost Calvin and Hobbes but we got Superman!  Recommended.

 

WEDNESDAY COMICS #7 of 12 by Lotsa People.  OK, past the half-way mark and no idea how some of these strips are gonna wrap in five weeks.  Winners include: Batman, Kamandi, Deadman, Green Lantern, Adam Strange, and Hawkman.  Honorable Mention to Superman, Supergirl, Metal Men and the Flash for looking great.  The rest… well, they still have five more issues to pull it out.

 

WOLVERINE: WEAPON X #4 by Joltin' Jason Aaron and Rowdy Ron Garney.  Sure the Adamantium Men have him out-numbered and out-gunned, but they'll never have him out-haired!  From the team that made Wolverine stop sucking.  Recommended.

 

X-FACTOR #47 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro.  Sentinels, time-travel and bi-sexuality.  Individually any of these can complicate a young mutant's life.  But all at once?  Hoo-boy!  Recommended.

 

X-MEN: LEGACY #227 by Mike Carey and Dustin Weaver.  Rogue learns the downside of absorbing the powers and memories of the Greek God of War:  An insatiable need for olives and awkward headgear.  Happy fun times!

 

www.johnjudy.net

Post on surpressed Family Guy cartoon [UPDATED]

This is sort of old news, having circulated around the Internet for weeks, but "'Family Guy' Channels Controversy Onstage," By Emily Yahr, Washington Post Staff Writer. Friday, August 14, 2009.

Oddly enough, a very similar story ran 2 days earlier by their TV reporter - "'Family Guy's' Look at the Lighter Side of Abortion,"
By Lisa de Moraes, Washington Post Wednesday, August 12, 2009.

Today's Tank for Post readers

Here's today's Tank. Presumably Sunday will be back to normal.

2nd Cul de Sac book is immanent

Our Man Thompson got his early copies today. I believe he's working to attend one of the local comics shows as well.

PR: Science Idol - And the winner is...

Recently, we invited you to help choose the winner in Science Idol: Celebrity Edition, a cartoon contest designed to poke fun at the not-so-humorous problem of political interference in science. After almost 10,000 votes were cast, Jesse Springer of Eugene, OR, came out on top. His cartoon will grace the cover of this year's Scientific Integrity Calendar:

Jesse is a graphic designer and part-time editorial cartoonist who recognizes the need for oversight of the Obama administration and Congress. "This is a really tricky time for those who hoped that Obama's election was going to be a start of something new," he said. "We need to point out the commitments that they made and hold the administration accountable to them."

Click to see all 12 contestants and learn more about Jesse.

The Scientific Integrity Calendar
In addition to providing you with a year's worth of laughs, the 2010 Scientific Integrity Calendar is a valuable educational tool, highlighting the need for the Obama administration and Congress to create a thriving federal scientific enterprise.

You can order your 2010 Scientific Integrity Calendar here. It makes a great gift to your scientist and non-scientist friends and family who believe that policy decisions should be guided by the best available science. The calendars are just $10 each, with discounts for UCS members and bulk orders and proceeds support the Union of Concerned Scientists.

I hope you enjoy the cartoons and the calendar!

Sincerely,

Michael Halpern
National Field Organizer
Scientific Integrity Program

P.S. Defending science from political interference will require the persistent and energetic engagement of both scientists and citizens. As a member of the UCS action network, we'll continue to keep you informed about ways you can help support independent science. Scientists, engineers, and health professionals are invited to join our Restoring Scientific Integrity Network.

Miyazaki's Ponyo opens today

I hope to be able to catch it tomorrow night. Here's the Washington Post:

"Disney's Japan Import 'Ponyo' Soars Sky-High Under the Sea," By Dan Kois, The Washington Post August 24, 2009.

...the Wash Times gives it 2 stars... what can one say about a review saying Miyazaki lacks "visual artistry"...

"MOVIE REVIEW: 'Ponyo'; Visual artistry lacking in new anime feature," By Sonny Bunch, Washington Times Friday, August 14, 2009.

Meanwhile the NY Times says "This movie has been designated a Critic's Pick by the film reviewers of The Times." Who you gonna trust?

"Forces of Nature, Including Children [Ponyo]," By MANOHLA DARGIS, August 14, 2009.

2004 Herblock award winner Matt Davies fired

See "Matt Davies, Pulitzer-Winning Cartoonist, Loses Job at 'Journal-News' -- With Many Others," By E&P Staff, August 13, 2009.

Today's Tank for Post readers

Here's today's Tank.

Nevin Martell taking questions at Daily Cartoonist

Go to "Ask Nevin Martell about Looking for Calvin and Hobbes," by Alan Gardner, August 13, 2009. Alan's also got a review of the book up.

Today's Tank for Post readers

Here's today's Tank.

PR: Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 Hotels and Guests So Far!

Baltimore Comic-Con 2009 Guests and More! Baltimore, Maryland - August 12, 2009 - The Baltimore Comic-Con staff have been busily working on arranging the Harvey Awards, accommodations, promotions, partnerships, exhibitors, and guests, and we're behind announcing much of it!  While there are a number of things still in the development stages, here's some information we can share now.   Hotel Accommodations A new feature of our on-line presence this year, the Baltimore Comic-Con is now providing a gateway to hotel accommodations around the Baltimore Convention Center!  From our main webpage, click on the "Hotels" link (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/hotels.htm).  This helpful tool enables you to request rooms on-line, compare prices, and review descriptions, amenities, and locations.  We encourage those of you traveling from outside of the region to take advantage of this added convenience. Guests Last month, we announced a number of today's top Marvel creators attending the show, including Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Frank Cho (Ultimates 4), David Finch (Ultimatum), Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), and Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man). We're bringing in an amazing slate of first-time guests this year for you to meet, including Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Doug Braithwaite (Wolverine: Origins), Pat Broderick (Vincent Price Presents), Jo Chen (New Avengers:  The Reunion), Jimmy Cheung (New Avengers: Illuminati), J.M. DeMatteis (Daredevil), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden), Jan Duursema (Star Wars:  Legacy), Sarah Dyer (Superman Adventures), Steve Englehart (Avengers), Bob Fingerman (Recess Pieces), Kathryn Immonen (Runaways), Scott Koblish (Final Crisis:  Legion of Three Worlds), Steve Lieber (Underground), Tom Mandrake (The Outsiders), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Laura Martin (Thor), Kevin Nowlan (The Spirit), Jeff Parker (Agents of ATLAS), Whilce Portacio (Spawn), Buddy Prince (Night), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Ian Sattler (Final Crisis:  Aftermath), Marc Silvestri (Witchblade), Peter Tomasi (Blackest Night:  Batman), Jim Valentino (Shadowline Comics), Rob Venditti (The Surrogates), Len Wein (Justice League of America), and Brian Wood (sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics, Northlanders). You'll also see many returning guests, such as Dick Ayers (Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl), Nick Cardy (Aquaman), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Sean Chen (Dark Reign:  Fantastic Four), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Chris Claremont (X-Men Forever), Steve Conley (Star Trek:  Year Four), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Todd Dezago (Marvel Adventures:  Spider-Man), Al Feldstein (Mad), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Ron Garney (Wolverine:  Weapon X), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Tony Harris (Ex Machina), Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic), Adam Hughes (Power Girl), Stuart Immonen (New Avengers), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Joe Jusko (Kolchak:  Tales of the Night Stalker), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Greg LaRocque (Peter Parker:  The Spectacular Spider-Man), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Mark McKenna (BananaTail), Mike McKone (Amazing Spider-Man), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Mark Morales (Secret Invasion), Doug Murray (Jungle Girl Season 2), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Batgirl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Dan Parsons (Star Wars:  The Clone Wars), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Comics Armor Wars), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tom Raney (Dark Reign:  Hawkeye), Alex Robinson (Too Cool to be Forgotten), James Robinson (Superman), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Iron Man & The Armor Wars), Stephane Roux (Amazing Spider-Man), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Tim Sale (Heroes), Scott Christian Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Walt Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (Dean Koontz's Nevermore), Jim Starlin (Strange Adventures), Brian Stelfreeze (Final Crisis Aftermath:  Ink), Karl Story (Batman:  Streets of Gotham), Herb Trimpe (Hulk), Billy Tucci (Sgt. Rock:  The Lost Battalion), Dexter Vines (Wolverine), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest), Doug Wagner (The Ride), Matt Wagner (Grendel), Mark Waid (The Incredibles), and Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing). Guest of Honor We're proud and ecstatic to announce that our tenth anniversary headliner is George Perez  (Final Crisis:  Legion of Three Worlds)!  George was one of our guests in our first year, and has returned numerous times over the past 10 years.  In addition to headlining the show, George will be providing the artwork for our program in 2009! "What an incredible line-up we've arranged for our 10th anniversary show," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "We have been chugging along, building the guest list, working with the city of Baltimore on the hotel program, coordinating the Harvey Awards, and a million other little things involved with getting things ready for October." In coming weeks, look for ongoing announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting added guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and ComicSpace pages. This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held October 10-11, 2009. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, October 10th. As we continue to get ready for this year's show, we would like to remind you to mark your calendar for next year's Baltimore Comic-Con dates: August 28-29, 2010. About The Baltimore Comic-Con The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 10th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Oct 10-11, 2009. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.   About The Harvey Awards The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.