Fantom Comics PR: A Message From The Comics Journeyman

I'm writing to invite each of you to connect with me via one of the social media options that I use to communicate with the world at large about the comic books that I love.   Dear Fan Of Fantom, Who IS "The Comics Journeyman"? For starters, I am the host of SubcultureForTheCultured.com, a companion site to Fantom Comics. "SFTC" is dedicated to bringing you original thoughts on our favorite comic books and graphic novels that tend to be slightly "off the beaten path". And by "off the beaten path", I mean (mostly) non-superhero properties. As a Fantom Comics Subscriber, you are already connected to Fantom via the comiXology platform (and if not, you can easily sign up - just follow the link to the instructions for our COMIC BOOK RESERVATION SERVICE, powered by comiXology). Over the coming days, I will be reaching out to all of Fantom's subscribers with a "comiXology friend request". This will allow you to view my picks from each month's Previews catalog right on the comiXology website, and for me to view your picks as well. It's really an open invitation to read what I'm reading. Recognizing that not everyone has the same tastes, I've listed below the books that I subscribe to regularly, along with an indication of whether I read the comic or the trade paperback.   My goal is to use comiXology's features to their fullest to create an online community of comic book readers who share an enthusiasm for the stories and artwork in the pages of our favorite comics, and who can share recommendations for new comic book journeys to pursue.   Another way that you can connect with me is to follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/cmxjourneyman I will use Twitter to post updates and share interesting articles from time to time. Think of me as the Pied Piper of (mostly) non-superhero comics, inviting you to follow me on my journey through the best that comic books have to offer. I look forward to getting to know you and your tastes in comic books! Keep reading comics, may the journey never end. The Comics Journeyman Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478 www.fantomcomics.com

Magic Bullet 2 press release

Washington DC comics and drinking group publishes second issue of MAGIC BULLET comics newspaper to much fanfare.

Prepare yourself for the majesty that is MAGIC BULLET #2. The DC Conspiracy, a local group of comics creators and fans, have published the second issue of their groundbreaking and absolutely free comics newspaper and plan to bring it to you.

Featuring a cover by Mike O'Brien and including comics from local cartoonists such as Carolyn Belefski, Joe Carabeo, Andrew Cohen, Matt Dembicki, Evan Keeling, RM Rhodes, (and non-local ringers like Jeff McComsey and Jim Rugg), MAGIC BULLET #2 is designed to brighten your day while blowing your mind. Each comic contained within the pages of MAGIC BULLET #2 was created with love and with the greatest of care.

Rafer Roberts, editor of MAGIC BULLET (as well as a contributor) talked about this second issue. "Oh man," he says. "This paper is so completely awesome. It's the best thing ever and people are gonna want to get their hands on a copy. I mean, we have comics from Kevin Czapiewski, Jake Warrenfeltz, Jeff McClelland, Mal Jones, and Steve Becker. We even got Stephen Loya, and he doesn't even draw comics!"

MAGIC BULLET #2 has a wide distribution plan, as described by Roberts. "We've picked a day, probably March 28th, and a bunch of us are going to be handing these out at metro stations during the morning commute. Holy cow, can you image what it's going to be like starting your day reading comics from the likes of Marc Bryant, Scott White, Lonny Chant, or Michael Brace? Add in comics by Eric Gordon, Troy Jeffrey-Allen, JT Wilkins and me, and you've got the makings of the best commute of your life."

For those not fortunate enough to be handed a paper, all hope is not lost. MAGIC BULLET #2 will be available throughout the district at finer comic shops and clubs, as well as at local comic shows such as SPX. An ever evolving list of places interested readers can find the paper can be found at http://www.dcconspiracy.com

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About MAGIC BULLET:

In 2010 the DC DC Conspiracy would put out a newspaper filled with our comics. A newspaper? Filled with comics? In an era where comics are presented smaller and on handheld digital devices, presenting large format comics in a dying medium seemed like such an outdated model that we just had to go for it. With the aesthetic that each artist would take advantage of the larger format, MAGIC BULLET was born.

About DC Conspiracy:

Founded in January 2005, the DC Conspiracy has expanded to over 50 members who embody the best of creative comics talent in the DC area. The work we write, draw, edit, and distribute runs the gamut -- from witty and literary works to comics which incorporate action, the mystical, and just plain nonsense. Individually we create, but collectively we're working to expand comics readership and fraternity through anthologies, minis, and webcomics, among other things.

Weldon on Mid-Life

A Man in Fall: The Self-Lacerating, Blisteringly Funny "Mid-Life"

by Glen Weldon

National Public Radio's Monkey See blog (March 9, 2011)

http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2011/03/09/134384116/a-man-in-fall-the-self-lacerating-blisteringly-funny-mid-life?sc=nl&cc=msb-20110309

Have I mentioned the Team Cul de Sac blog?

I think not. The Team Cul de Sac blog is now live and has some of the art that cartoonists have been submitting, including local stalwarts SL Gallant and David Hagen, Alaskan cartoonist Peter Dunlap-Shohls and the great Lynn Johnston.

Casey Rae-Hunter on Eddie Campbell

Casey Rae-Hunter has a post up at the Hooded Utilitarian about Eddie Campbell's Alec.

This is relevant because Casey says "I'm a so-and-so who lives in Washington, DC." therefore being part of our circle of cartoon life.

Carla Speed McNeil profiled on Bookslut

Carla Speed McNeil and the Good Stuff
Martyn Pedler
Bookslut's comicbookslut March 2011
http://www.bookslut.com/comicbookslut/2011_03_017304.php

March 8: Arlington's Mardi Gras parade

Richard Thompson's done the poster again.

I'll be there. He might. I'll sign his name if you'd like.

UPDATE - he wasn't there. I was. Nobody asked me to sign his name. However, I did find out that Bono Mitchell of Bonotom Studio, who always commissions these drawings from Richard, colored this one, in spite of being nervous about it. I think she did a great job - I didn't realize it wasn't his coloring.

Truitt on The Infinite

'The Infinite' teams Image's past and present
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY May 7 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-03-07-InfiniteImage_N.htm

Cul de Sac up for NCS strip award?

Richard Thompson is up for the National Cartoonist Society's Reuben award (named after the mighty Rube Goldberg), and now the rumor is that his Cul de Sac is nominated in the strip category. More to come, I'm sure.

Local boy Dan Nadel edits Comics Journal website

Dan Nadel, late clerk of Big Planet Comics, has accepted a new position in the industry, sharing the editorship of TCJ.com with Tim Hodler.

See also Spurgeon, Tom.  2011. CR Newsmaker Interview: Dan Nadel, Tim Hodler Of TCJ. Comics Reporter (March 7): http://www.comicsreporter.com/index.php/cr_newsmaker_interview_dan_nadel_tim_hodler_of_tcj/

Daytripper reviewed in today's Express

There's an Associated Press review in today's Express of the DC/Vertigo comic book 'Daytripper'.

Cavna interviews Arab cartoonists

Amid revolution, Arab cartoonists draw attention to their cause
By Michael Cavna
Washington Post Comic Riffs blog (March 7 2011)
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2011/03/arab_cartoons.html

Note: A somewhat truncated version of this article appears in the print edition of today's Washington Post.

Daniel Boris interview online at City Paper

Meet a Local Cartoonist: A Chat With Daniel Boris
by Mike Rhode on Mar. 7, 2011
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/books/2011/03/07/meet-a-local-cartoonist-a-chat-with-daniel-boris/

Zadzooks on comic books

Zadzooks: Captain Wonder 3D, Fables, Hellboy and Sir Edward Grey
Put away the 3-D glasses for real art
By Joseph Szadkowski
Washington Times March 3, 2011
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/mar/3/zadzooks-captain-wonder-3d-fables-hellboy-and-sir-/

Truitt on The Intrepids

'The Intrepids': Mad scientists, 1960s culture and family themes
By Brian Truitt, USA TODAY March 2 2011
http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2011-03-02-TheIntrepids_N.htm

Brodner illustrates Milbank

Steve Brodner illustrated Dana Milbank's column in today's Washington Post. The drawing's not online at the moment.

Google's Will Eisner tribute

Google's homepage logo today is a tribute to the great cartoonist, Will Eisner, on what would be his 94th birthday. Eisner was a guest at SPX and spoke at the Library of Congress at least once.

Thanks to Jeff R for the tip.

Katchor and Farmer reviewed in Post

Book reviews: Ben Katchor's 'The Cardboard Valise' and Joyce Farmer's 'Special Exits: A Graphic Memoir'
By Dan Kois
Washington Post March 6, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/04/AR2011030404735.html

That darn Mutts continued

Guard Dog takes a stand for abused animals
Washington Post March 5, 2011
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/04/AR2011030405806.html

Regarding the Feb. 26 Free For All letter "It's a dog's life":

Hatke's Zita review with a lesson plan for school

Katie's Korner: Graphic Novel Reviews for Schools and Libraries
Katie Monnin,
Diamond Bookshelf March 2011
http://www.diamondbookshelf.com/public/default.asp?t=1&m=1&c=40&s=836&ai=106277&e=1