Friday, November 06, 2009

A Beeler cartoon that relies on color

Nate Beeler's told me a couple of times that he prefers to do his cartoons in black and white, so I was a little surprised to see the November 4 2009 cartoon which would be nonsensical without color.

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Nov 14-22: The rest of the Tezuka fest

Saturday, November 14, 2009
 
Saturday, November 14, 2 pm

In Person: Frederik Schodt, author of The Astro Boy Essays; Helen McCarthy, author of The Art of Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga; and Natsu Onoda Power, author of God of Comics: Osamu Tezuka and the Creation of Post-WWII Manga.
This documentary, made for the Tezuka Osamu exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum the year after Tezuka's death, boasts probably the most over specified title card in the world. Each of the ten letters has been handwritten by…


Week of Sunday, November 15, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
 
Sunday, November 15, 2 pm

In Person: Frederik Schodt, Helen McCarthy
Set in the near future of 2002, this tale of skullduggery and smuggling on an undersea train is set against a backdrop of environmental degradation and destruction of indigenous cultures and is interwoven with a time-travel fantasy. Directed by Dezaki Tetsu, it features appearances by nearly all of Tezuka's most famous characters, including Astro Boy, Black Jack, and Don Dracula. [Description adapted from…


Friday, November 20, 2009
 
Friday, November 20, 7 pm

A Japanese city and an American city are thrown into conflict by demonic intervention. Prime Rose is one of the warriors, but she has a personal motive. Time Patrol member Gai is trying to reverse the timeslip and defeat the demon. Aired before the manga of the same title was completed, this film by Tetsu Dezaki is allegedly closer to Tezuka's original idea. [Description adapted from text by Helen McCarthy for Movies into Manga: Osamu Tezuka,…


Week of Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
 
Sunday, November 22, 2 pm

This remarkable showcase of shorts made between 1962 and 1987 reveals Tezuka's energy, originality, and clarity of vision as he employs music and imagery to render dialogue unnecessary. These films show Tezuka the art house animator at his inventive best. [Descriptions adapted from text by Helen McCarthy for Movies into Manga: Osamu Tezuka, shown at Barbican Film, Barbican Centre, London, in September 2008.]

Tales of the Street Corner
Drawing…

Nov 13: Fred Schodt at Freer Gallery

Introducing Astro Boy (Osamu Tezuka: God of Manga, Father of Anime)
DateFriday, November 13, 2009, 7 pm
Categories Films
VenueFreer Gallery
Event Location Meyer Auditorium
CostFree; first come, first served
Details

In Person: Frederik Schodt, author of The Astro Boy Essays
Astro Boy (known as Mighty Atom in Japan) is one of Tezuka's most iconic and enduring creations. Starting life as a character in manga comics, he later took the world by storm as the hero of three animated television series that were nearly as popular in the US as they were in Japan. To kick off the retrospective, author and Tezuka expert Frederik Schodt presents and discusses four Astro Boy episodes.


Library of Congress serials chief mentions comic books

The 3-minute interview: Mark Sweeney
Washington Examiner Staff Writer
November 1, 2009

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/people/THE-3-MINUTE-INTERVIEW---Mark-Sweeney-8450007-67715477.html

I'm responsible for a division of about 50 people who work with the library's newspaper collection, our current periodicals, government publications and the library's comic book collection.”

The world is changing…

 

Examiner columnist on Danish Islamic Cartoons

Diana West: To remain free, we are also Danes

By: Diana West

Washington Examiner Columnist

November 1, 2009

Nov 12: Haynes Johnson on Herblock at Politics and Prose

Haynes Johnson - Herblock
7 p.m. Johnson, who worked with Herblock at The Washington Post, will launch a new anthology celebrating Block's life and career. The Post's editorial cartoonist was a protean figure whose career spanned thirteen American Presidents. His cartoons mocked Senator McCarthy and Richard Nixon, and continued on into the 1980s to take on President Reagan. Block made no pretense of objectivity; he was a good liberal with a love of the political game. In 1984 Herblock was incredibly generous to a tiny new bookstore at 5010 Connecticut Avenue, appearing twice to sign his book.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

OT: Nick Thorkelson, friend of CDC, playing music in Boston

Nick Thorkelson's reviewed exhibits for me for IJOCA and done the cover of the Interplanetary Journal of Comic Art (buy it on the right) and now he's showing us he's got musical talent too.

Subject: Music on the Fly, Coming Nov. 14--FREE!


Dear friends:

I wanted to let you know that I will have pieces in both of the programs described below. I will play and sing a song I wrote called "Grave Robbery," accompanied by a series of images in a sort of pseudo animation style, as part of the "EP7: Music On the Fly" program November 14. And I have written a short play, "Lionel Banished," which will be performed at the "Carny Knowledge" program being performed January 28 to February 6. Hope to see all or many of you at each or both. 

MOTF EP title
Fort Point Theatre Channel Presents
MUSIC ON THE FLY

An evening of inter-genre performance
works featuring made-up music

Curated
MOTF saxby Robin Smith and Christie Lee Gibson
Satu
rday, November 14, 7 pm
35A Channel Center Street, Fort Point, Boston

FREE

With new works and works in progress, Fort Point Theatre Channel's seventh
Exclamation Point! will feature music combined with video, acting improv, and other visual/stage components.

Featured musicians, writers, actors, actresses include: Jon Burrowes, Jorrit Dykstra, Mary Fegreus, Liz Fenstermaker, Christie Lee Gibson, Daniel Harris, Allen Phelps, Alejandro Simoes, Robin Smith, Scott Sweatt, Nick Thorkelson, Arvid Tomayko-Peters, and friends.

For directions, check out our Web site.

Coming Up
Carny title
A Sideshow Extravaganza of Original Plays and Extraordinary Oddities
Silvia Graziano & Marc S. Miller, Impresarios
January 28-February 6, 2010
Channel Center, Fort Point, Boston


Carny Knowledge joins short theatrical works and unique installation pieces to create an environmental extravaganza enveloping audiences and performers alike. Inspired by the sideshows of once-upon-a-time, playwrights and filmmakers, musicians and dancers, roustabouts and a concoction of practitioners of the carny crafts will create an unforgettable evening of ballyhoo, burlesque, and incomparable entertainment, sure to skin the rubes and marks of their fins, sawbucks, and c-notes.
 
AND IN THE FUTURE . . .
· Hotel Cassiopeia, Charles Mee's fantasy inspired by the life and work of the master of assemblage art, Joseph Cornell
· The Skin of Our Teeth by Thornton Wilder
· The libretto from an opera being developed about the Marquis de Sade.
·  One-act plays by James Swindell and Silvia Grazianio

www.fortpointtheatrechannel.org
info@fortpointtc.org

bu7ildinglogo
 





This is one image/stanza from "Grave Robbery," a song inspired by the Jerry Cruncher character in Charles Dickens' "Tale of Two Cities":






Nick Thorkelson
Graphic Design & Cartoons
15 Channel Center Street, #601
Boston, MA 02210
617-417-5403


Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Nov 18: Waltz with Bashir at Arlington's Shirlington Library


Film: "Waltz with Bashir/Vals Im Bashir" [2008]
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7pm
Shirlington Branch Library
The "World Cinema Spotlight" series at Shirlington presents "Waltz with Bashir/Vals Im Bashir" [2008]. Rated R, 90 minutes. Directed by Ari Folman and featuring Ron Ben-Yishai, Ronny Dayag and Ari Folman. An animated documentary nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, "Waltz with Bashir" tells the story of an Israeli film director who interviews fellow veterans of the 1982 invasion of Lebanon to reconstruct his own memories of that conflict.

Nov 30: Politics and Prose graphic novel meeting time change

The group had to move the meeting time, so the new one is the 30th of November, the Monday after Thanksgiving, at 7:30pm, discussing Ware's Jimmy Corrigan.

Harry Katz on Herblock on KPBS

To read the transcript with Harry Katz, former prints curator at the Library of Congress on Herblock, click through "Herblock Was One Of Most Influential Political Cartoonists In U.S. History," By Maureen Cavanaugh, Hank Crook, KPBS These Days | Monday, November 2, 2009, or click here to listen to the audio.

Post on Doonesbury on Twitter

'Doonesbury' on Twitter: A sweet tweet

Howard Kurtz

Washington Post Staff Writer

Monday, November 2, 2009

Nov 3: Herblock curator tour at Noon

Join the curators of the new Herblock exhibit at the Library of Congress’ Jefferson building at noon for a tour of the exhibit and a look at ‘Herblock in World War II.’

Monday, November 02, 2009

U of MD's Diamondback's streak of successful cartoonists

See "Diamondback doodlers: Several ’90s cartoonists went big-time with their drawings," By Kristi Tousignant, University of Maryland's Diamondback November 2, 2009. Featured are Frank Cho, Jeff Kinney, and Aaron McGruder. Corey Thomas, who does Watch Your Head, came out of Howard University.

Library of Congress Accepting Swann Fellowship Applications

Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington DC   20540

November 2, 2009
Public contact: Martha Kennedy (202) 707-9115, mkenn@loc.gov


Swann Foundation Accepting Fellowship Applications
Foundation Supports Research in the Humorous Arts of Caricature and Cartoon


The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon, administered by the Library of Congress, is accepting applications for its graduate fellowship for the 2010-2011 academic year.  Applications are due by close of business on Friday, Feb. 15, 2010, and notification will occur in the spring. 

The Swann Foundation seeks to award one fellowship annually (with a stipend of up to $15,000) to assist in continuing scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon.  Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the advisory board may elect to make multiple, smaller awards.

A fellow is required to be in residence in Washington, D.C., for a minimum of two weeks, use the Library's extensive collections and deliver a public lecture at the Library on his or her work.  Each fellow must also provide a copy of his or her dissertation, thesis or postgraduate publication upon completion, for the Swann Foundation Fund files.

Guidelines and application forms are available through the Swann Foundation's website www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/swann-fellow.html, by e-mailing swann@loc.gov or by calling Martha Kennedy in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library at (202) 707-9115.

To be eligible, an applicant must be a resident of the United States and a candidate for a master's or doctoral degree at a university based in the United States, Canada or Mexico.  The applicant must be working toward completion of a dissertation or thesis for that degree or be engaged in postgraduate research within three years of receiving an M.A. or a Ph.D.  Individuals who are not U.S. residents but who otherwise meet these academic qualifications may also apply and be considered for a fellowship, contingent upon their visa eligibility. 

The applicant's research must be in the field of caricature and cartoon.  There are no restrictions on the place or time period covered.  To encourage research in a variety of academic disciplines, any university department may oversee a project proposed for the fellowship, provided the subject pertains to caricature or cartoon art.

Requirements for the fellowship applications include a statement of qualifications, a one-page abstract of the proposed project, a project description that specifies research needs and a budget, two letters of reference and official transcripts.

The Swann Foundation Fellowship in Caricature and Cartoon is one of a small number of scholarly fellowships that provide direct support for continuing graduate research in the field.  It has supported groundbreaking research on caricature and cartoon that focuses on a variety of subjects and topics such as the Cold War; representations of race, class conflict and disease; and the early origins of caricature and political satire, and the cultural and social forces that have influenced the development of prominent cartoonists' work.  For a list of research projects, visit www.loc.gov/rr/rint/swann/swann-fellowslist.html.

The Caroline and Erwin Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon is overseen by an advisory board composed of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members.  The foundation's activities support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world.  New York advertising executive Erwin Swann (1906-1973) established the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon in 1967.

# # #

PR09-225
11/2/09
ISSN: 0731-3527


KAL Creates 2010 Wall Calendar for The Economist

Kal writes in:
I am delighted to announce the publication of The Economist's first ever fully illustrated wall calendar. Here's how The Economist describes the 2010 "Illustrated Look at the Year Ahead":

Kevin "Kal" Kallaugher, The Economist's editorial cartoonist since 1978, takes you on an entertaining journey through the world's most celebrated (and occasionally obscure) global events, milestones and holidays. 
Each of the 12 monthly spreads provides a visual feast of original, hand-drawn artwork that brings to life the events of the current month and combines them into a hilarious interconnected story.

You can view the cover artwork with the attached image...or visit www.Kaltoons.com for more pictures and information on how to order the calendar at my online bookstore.

Best

Kal





Sunday, November 01, 2009

Post to colorize Doonesbury

Comic Riffs is reporting that the newly re-enlarged Doonesbury will also be appearing in dramatic color.

Big Planet Comics owner Greg Bennett may be coming to a town near you

Greg's about to go on tour with his band, The Jet Age. Their two-and-a-half week tour will take them through the midwest and the west.

Quick Reviews for Comics Due 11-04-09

QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS 11-04-09
By John Judy
 
AGE OF BRONZE #29 written and drawn by Eric Shanower.  No promotional blurb could top the original: "Special Music Issue. Achilles headlines with a song about cosmic sex as Cressida has her heart ripped out."  Not for kids.  Recommended.
 
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #609 by Marc Guggenheim, Marco Checchetto and Luke Ross.  Spidey fights the dinosaur dude.  No, the other one.  "Raptor."
 
ASTONISHING X-MEN #32 by Warren Ellis and Phil Jimenez.  Sentinels!  Zombie Sentinels!  Brood!  Oh, Ellis!
 
BATMAN: THE WIDENING GYRE #3 of 6 by Kevin Smith and Walter Flanagan.  "Guest-starring Aquaman!"  No fair making it irresistible, DC!
 
BLACK WIDOW: DEADLY ORIGIN #1 of 4 by Paul Cornell, Tom Raney and John Paul Leon.  What it sounds like, but Cornell is so darn clever he'll find a way to make it work!
 
THE BOYS #36 by Garth Ennis and John Darick Robertson.  The Awesome Origin of "Mother's Milk" at the conclusion of which you will please stop screaming.  Please.  Recommended.  Not for kids.
 
BOYS: HEROGASM #6 of 6 by Garth Ennis and John McCrea.  At last, the devastating climax!  (Hides head in shame…)  Not for kids.
 
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #30 by Jane Espenson and Georges Jeanty.  I'm starting to think the goal of these stories is to get the number of Slayers on Earth back down to one.  Recommended anyway because it's Jane Espenson and she writes real good.
 
CAPTAIN AMERICA: REBORN #4 of 6 by Ed Brubaker and Bryan Hitch.  Doctor Doom and the Red Skull have made a pact, so maybe this whole "reborn" thing is a tad premature…  Gotta look!
 
CRIMINAL DELUXE EDITION HC by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips.  Collecting books 1-3 and a bunch of extras.  Why wait for Christmas?  Get it now!  Highly recommended.
 
DEATHLOK #1 of 7 by Charlie Huston and Lan Medina.  Marvel's classic killer cyborg gets the Moon Knight treatment: A full reboot with lots of violence!  Hey, it's Deathlok.  Not like we were ever gonna see him on "Super Hero Squad."  But wouldn't it be great if we did?
 
ESCAPISTS SC by Brian K. Vaughan, Michael Chabon and Various Really Good Artists.  Inspired by "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" and the comic book capital of the world, Cleveland Ohio!  Recommended.
 
IMMORTAL WEAPONS #4 of 5 by Duane Swierczynski and Khari Evans.  Tiger's Beautiful Daughter.  Don't let the name fool you!  Her kung-fu is tough!  Recommended.
 
MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ #1 of 8 by Eric Shanower and Skottie Young.  Picking up where they left off with WONDERFUL WORLD OF OZ, Shanower and Young take on L. Frank Baum's next epic.  Forget the movie!  Read the comic!  (Always good advice.)
 
SECRET SIX #15 by John Ostrander and J. Calafiore.  Guest-writer John Ostrander returns to Deadshot and Deadshot returns to killing lots and lots of people!  OK, technically you need to leave something before you return to it, but you get the idea.
 
STRANGE TALES #3 of 3 by Various Creators.  Indy artists and writers take a crack at their favorite Marvel icons with interesting results.  Verrry interrresting….
 
STUMPTOWN #1 by Greg Rucka and Matthew Southworth.  When a private dick with a gambling problem finds herself on the hook for big money to a casino the best way out is probably to do the casino owner a favor.  Because that always ends well.  Highly "Rucka-mended!"
 
SUPERMAN: WORLD OF NEW KRYPTON #9 of 12 by James Robinson, Greg Rucka and Pete Woods.  Jemm, Son of Saturn wants a word with the New Kryptonians!  No, seriously…
 
TORCH #3 of 8 by Mike Carey, Alex Ross and Patrick Berkenkotter.  Darn!  The original Human Torch is back but he's a mind-controlled bad guy now!  Sure hope that doesn't last!
 
X-MEN ORIGINS: ICEMAN ONE-SHOT by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Phil Noto.  What it sounds like but Aguirre-Sacasa's so darn clever he'll find a way to make it work!
 
X-MEN VS. AGENTS OF ATLAS #2 of 2 by Jeff Parker and Carlo Pagulayan.  Just go with it….
 
YELLOW LANTERN PROMOTIONAL RINGS by DC Comics and the Sinestro Corps!  Powered by Fear and Evil so turn on FoxNews and let 'er rip!
 
 


Nov 2: Lethem at Folger tomorrow

Comics-friendly author Jonathan Lethem will be in town, reading from his new book this fall.

Nov. 2: Lethem is at Folger Elizabethan Theatre, at 7:30, $15.