The Art of Richard Thompson table of contents

4 Introduction by Nick Galifianakis

8 Richard Thompson: A Brief Biography (With a Few Observations Mixed In) by David Apatoff
19 "Can he draw something during the operation?" by Richard Thompson
20 "Alice was looking underinflated ... " Parkinson's disease discussion with Nick Galifianakis

22 Illustration Interview by Peter de Seve
68 Bono Mitchell recalls Richard's early illustrations
74 My New Favorite Nib by Richard Thompson

82 Richard's Poor Almanac Interview by Gene Weingarten
89 Below the Beltway by Richard Thompson
99 "Slinky McBits" and one of my favorite Almanacs by Richard Thompson

134 Caricature Interview by John Kascht
153 Hopeful Monsters, or, Caricaturing Berlioz by Richard Thompson
164 Music, a dilettante's love story by Richard Thompson

182 Cul de Sac Interview by Bill Watterson
191 Historic Otterloop Artifact by Richard Thompson
193 Early Cul de Sac
197 The primeval Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson
215 A master of the art form ... by Lee Salem

222 Contributor Biographies

The Daily Cartoonist reviews The Art of Richard Thompson

My review: The Art of Richard Thompson

Posted by Alan Gardner
November 24, 2014
http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2014/11/24/my-review-the-art-of-richard-thompson

David Apatoff on the Art of Richard Thompson, day 1

Co-editor Apatoff is writing about aspects of Richard Thompson's work each day this week - here's the first: http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2014/11/new-book-on-art-of-richard-thompson.html

Fairfax-based podcast talks war and comics with author Cord Scott

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Military Monday with John D. Gresham and Author Cord Scott – Comics and Conflict

Writestream Radio Network

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/writestream/2014/09/15/military-monday-with-john-d-gresham-and-author-cord-scott-comics-and-conflict

Though America cannot claim credit for the invention of cartoons and other storytelling graphics, there can be little question that the art form today has its home solidly within the borders and culture of the United States. The editorial cartoons of English newspapers and magazines were quickly adopted by the American colonies, and thanks to Benjamin Franklin and other publishers, took on a distinctly Continental flavor. And throughout the many wars fought during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, cartoons grew in both sophistication and quality. But it was the development of comic books in the decade before World War II, that created a new medium of illustrated storytelling which became a distinctly American art form. Superheroes like Superman and Captain Marvel came into being, and the idea of visual storytelling became a mainstay in American media for young people. And when America went to war in 1941, comic books and their characters went to war too. In fact, comic books, their characters, and subsidiary media products (movies, etc.) provided an excellent medium to reach out to the very demographic that had to be recruited to fight World War II

 To learn more about the role of comic books, cartoons, and other visual storytelling media in wartime, join military historian, author and journalist John D. Gresham (@greshamj01) for Military Monday (#MilitaryMonday on @Writestream) at 1 p.m. Eastern.'s guest this week is U.S. Naval Institute Press (@USNIBooks) the author Cord Scott,  who has written COMICS AND CONFLICT, a history of comics and their use as wartime propaganda tools. And together they will explain the role of illustrated storytelling in politics and propaganda through the ages. Prepare for a entertaining and informative hour, talking about the nature of media messaging and power of visual storytelling.

The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center (reviewed by Steve Loya)

Last Saturday, my wife and I went to see the world premier musical adaptation of Mutts creator Patrick McDonnell's The Gift of Nothing, at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. Having been a long time Mutts fan and collector, it was hard to believe this was officially happening, practically in my own back yard! 

I first discovered Mutts comics not in the newspaper, but at a bookstore, when I first moved out to the DC/NOVA area about fourteen years ago. It was a crazy, stressful time for me back then, with a big move to another state, the start of a new career, and then the catastrophic 9/11 attacks on US soil only a couple of weeks later. I remember how much these books made me smile and put me at ease, and I've been following the adventures of Earl and Mooch ever since then. What I've always loved about Mutts is the subtle wisdom in both the artwork and the writing, as it is a comic strip that easily functions on both a children's as well as on an adult level. The same can be said for the stage production of The Gift of Nothing, directed by Aaron Posner. Much like the book itself, originally published in 2005, the visual presentation is sparse and minimal - simple yet beautiful. Much like the characters that populate McDonnell's books and comic strips, the cast brings this musical vividly to life. I've never considered myself much of a fan of musicals, but the songs (written by Andy Mitton), the sounds and the singing and acting were all paramount to the success of this production, along with some wonderfully choreographed lighting.  Consider me a convert. Here's a little more insight into the book and stage production: 

The book itself has been described as having a "zen-like" quality, and it's amazing to witness how incredibly well the stage version was able to flesh out the story, adding a whole new dimension to a  brief but brilliant little commentary about not losing sight of the simple and the good things we already have, but are so often distracted from during the madness of the holiday season. I have to say, my wife and I arrived at The Kennedy Center a bit frazzled, after missing an exit in DC, and after being so close, only to be thrown off course a few miles, almost causing us to be late and putting us both in a less-than-pleasant mood. Shortly into the start of the musical however, we were both swept up into the catchy and clever songs, the incredible acting, and the humorous tale of a dog named Earl and a Cat named Mooch. After this hour-long production had ended, we both couldn't stop talking about The Gift of Nothing driving home. I could write a lot more about this musical, but I wouldn't want to spoil it for ya.

*the line for Patrick McDonnell's book and program signing (above), at The Kennedy center

*me getting to meet Patrick for a book signing after the show (below)

You can still catch The Gift of Nothing at The Kennedy Center through December 28th! More information can be found HERE. Don't miss it!

Creator Signing - Nightmare the Rat - Rafer Roberts Saturday, Nov. 22nd

Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Gaithersburg - Creator Signing! Meet Critically Acclaimed Artist/Creator  Rafer Roberts For a LAUNCH Signing of his latest collection Nightmare the Rat  Also meet collaborator extraordinaire  John Shine  Saturday, November 22nd - 12:00noon to 4:00pm    FREE AUTOGRAPHS!   Beyond Comics 18749 B North Frederick Rd Gaithersburg, MD 20879 301-216-0007 Let all your friends know!

Beyond Comics | Gaithersburg Square | 18749 B N. Frederick Rd. | Gaithersburg | MD | 20879

NY Times on National Gallery of Art's new Zap comix

Perils, Platforms and a Prize
By CAROL VOGEL
A version of this article appears in print on November 21, 2014, on page C24 of the New York edition with the headline: Perils, Platforms and a Prize
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/21/arts/design/perils-platforms-and-a-prize.html

The Post on DreamWorks Animation's non-sale

DreamWorks merger talks fail, raising new questions about the company's future

By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2014/11/20/dreamworks-merger-talks-fail-raising-new-questions-about-the-companys-future/

The Post's Cavna's 10 ten of the year (with a month and a half left to go)

The top 10 graphic novels of 2014

By Michael Cavna

Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-top-10-graphic-novels-of-2014/2014/11/20/6ee20fec-3dc6-11e4-b03f-de718edeb92f_story.html

Underground comics donated to National Gallery of Art

National Gallery of Art acquires comics, 17th-century etchings and Diebenkorn prints

By Peggy McGlone
Washington Post November 20 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/museums/national-gallery-of-art-acquires-comics-17th-century-etchings-and-diebenkorn-prints/2014/11/20/3b9ca4b4-6f6a-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html

Nov 23: Dean Haspiel in DC

NCTE: "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling" ~ Nov. 23, 2014

National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD

Sunday, Nov 23, 2014 at 1:30PM-2:45PM, Session N

TOON panel presentation "Using Comics to Teach Visual Literacy & Storytelling"
Join a second-grade teacher, a literacy expert, an author, and a journalist to hear how comic
books are increasingly taking on deep subjects and being used to teach the Common Core
State Standards with an emphasis on both visual literacy and storytelling.

Featuring TOON author Dean Haspiel, journalist Michael Cavna, and Washington DC-area teacher Sallie Routh.

NCTE Program: http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/PD/Annual/2014/Program/Sessions-Exhibitors-Authors.pdf

Toon Books: http://www.toon-books.com/

Mike Jenkin's lunchbag art

Mike Jenkins has been drawing cartoons on his daughter's lunch bag for months now, and they're great. Sometime in the new year, ComicsDC will talk to him about this project.

See Lunch Bag Art (116 photos) on Facebook only

The Post mentions the Mutts play

Children's theater roundup: Magic, music and make-believe come to D.C. [in print as Make a theater list, kids]

By Jane Horwitz
Washington Post November 21 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/theater-dance/childrens-theater-roundup-magic-music-and-make-believe-come-to-dc/2014/11/20/825e814e-6b6c-11e4-a31c-77759fc1eacc_story.html

Rudolph cartoon ephemera on sale at the Post Office

Cavna of the Post changes job description

Michael "Comic Riffs" Cavna is reporting on his new situation on Facebook:

For much of my career, I've been an arts, entertainment and features editor (often between holding down a visual-art career). Come the new year, though, I can look forward to being the FULL-time "Comic Riffs" columnist. My sincere thanks to everyone at The Post, and in the comics community, who has been so supportive of the Riffs journey so far.

PR: AMERICAN COMIC BOOKS, LITERARY THEORY, AND RELIGION: THE SUPERHERO AFTERLIFE

The author spent many years in DC, and used to work at Georgetown University. He tells me.

Palgrave Macmillan has published my American Comic Books, Literary Theory, and Religion: The Superhero Afterlife this week. More info can be found at www.SuperheroAfterlife.com or http://bit.ly/1tl3NDi  -- moreover, it can be purchased via Amazon at http://amzn.to/1F4z5Vu

...

A David Lewis, Ph.D.
Faculty Associate
MCPHS Online 
MCPHS University 

 

Dec 6: Art of Richard Thompson booksigning

Mark your calendar for The Art of Richard Thompson (with many special guests!) - Sat, Dec 6th at 2:30

 

We are honored, thrilled, excited (add your own adjective) to host an event to celebrate the release of The Art of Richard Thompson. Featured guests include editors Nick Galifianakis, David Apatoff, Chris Sparks, and Mike Rhode, as well as Michael Cavna of The Washington Post. There will be discussion of Richard's work, a short documentary about his career, a panel discussion with Q&A, followed by a book signing. This event will be at Arlington Central Library.

Richard will attend but will not sign books at the event. If you'd like a copy of The Art of Richard Thompson and/or The Complete Cul de Sac signed by Richard, please order here.

 

Richard best describes this wonderful event (I'm not sure about the face painting, but everything else is true):

GALA ANNOUNCEMENT WITH EARTH-SHAKING CONSEQUENCES! RICHARD, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE ONE MORE PAGE, IS PLEASED, HECK TICKLED PINK, TO ANNOUNCE A BOOK-SIGNING & LAUNCH PARTY FOR THE ART OF RICHARD THOMPSON WITH EXTRAS.

THERE'LL BE A PANEL DISCUSSION, CELEBRITY APPEARANCES, SIGNED BOOKS, A WORLD PREMIERE OF A MAJOR VIDEO, CLOWNISH ANTICS AND FACE PAINTING!

The Express on the new Mutts play

'The Gift of Nothing' — a family-friendly collaboration between 'Mutts' creator Patrick McDonnell and director Aaron Posner — makes its world premiere at the Kennedy Center [in print as This F-word is 'feline']

By Kristen Page-Kirby
Express November 20 2014, p. 29
http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/11/20/the-gift-of-nothing-a-family-friendly-collaboration-between-mutts-creator-patrick-mcdonnell-and-director-aaron-posner-makes-its-world-premiere-at-the-kennedy-center/

(Patrick McDonnell Illustrations)

The Post reviews local Little Mermaid play

Disney musical 'Little Mermaid' bobs along at Olney

The sea creatures join Ariel (Lara Zinn) for the "Under the Sea" number in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" at Olney Theatre Center. (Stan Barouh)

By Nelson Pressley Theater critic
Washington Post November 19 2014
http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/disney-musical-little-mermaid-bobs-along-at-olney/2014/11/17/0d9ecc7a-6e86-11e4-ad12-3734c461eab6_story.html

'The Little Mermaid'

Book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. Directed by Mark Waldrop. Choreography, Tara Jeanne Vallee; lights, Julie H. Duro; puppets, Andrea "Dre" Moore. With Clark Young, Joe Chisholm, Kenneth Derby, Sean McComas, Nurney, Robert Mintz, Jane Bunting, Jennifer Cordiner, Gracie Jones, Ashleigh King, Taylor Elise Rector and Suzanne Stanley. About 2 hours and 15 minutes. Through Dec. 28 at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Rd., Olney, Md. Tickets $32.50-$65. Call 310-924-3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org

Nov. 28: Art Way Alliance at Geppi's in Baltimore

Art Way Alliance--a local non-profit organization that teaches kids how to make comic books,  manga and animation--will be at Geppi's Entertainment Museum Friday, Nov. 28, from noon - 6:00 p.m. with artists from Heaven & Hell Comics, Keir Knikia Lyles of Apocrypha Comics Studio and Enrica Jang of Red Stylo Media. They willl host demos throughout the day. Admission is included in ticket purchase.

Click for more info. 

Photo courtesy of Art Way Alliance