QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-19-08
By John “I get paid $5500 an hour to do this!” Judy
AL CAPP’S COMPLETE SHMOO: THE COMIC BOOKS HC written and illustrated by Capp Studios. Featuring Super Shmoo, Frankenshmoo, and Fu Manshoo! If you have to ask…
ALL WE EVER DO IS TALK ABOUT WOOD GN written and illustrated by Tom Horacek. A collection of Horacek’s morbidly funny single panel cartoons. Definitely for fans of Charles Addams, Edward Gorey, and Ivan Brunetti. Recommended.
ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #5 by Brian Lynch and Franco Urru. So he’s not a vampire anymore….?
BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE SPECIAL EDITION by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. A special hardcover 20th anniversary edition designed to torture Alan Moore by reminding him of how tied he remains to DC even though he refuses to cash their checks. Of course some of us are tortured by the knowledge that it’s been 20 years since we bought this book new on the stands… Also contains the story “An Innocent Guy” from BATMAN: BLACK & WHITE.
BRAVE AND BOLD #11 by Mark Waid and Jerry Ordway. Superman and Ultraman team up to save the day. Sorry manga fans, it’s a different Ultraman.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #36 by Ed Brubaker, Butch Guice, and Mike Perkins. Bucky continues making the role of Captain America his own. Hard.
EX MACHINA #5 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Mayor Hundred is haunted by the ghosts of African slaves. And metaphors.
GHOST RIDER #21 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi. Pure, out of control motorcycle madness, reminiscent of the best of Garth Ennis's PREACHER. Highly recommended, even though you hated the movie.
GRENDEL: BEHOLD THE DEVIL #5 of 8 written and illustrated by Matt Wagner. Gee fights monsters! Recommended.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST #13 by Matt Fraction, Ed Brubaker, Tonci Zonjic, and David Aja. Okay, when the "What Has Gone Before" page starts reading like a novella you may be getting a tad challenging for new readers to get on board. Just sayin'... Pretty good comic anyway.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: CAPTAIN AMERICA VOL. 4 HC by Stan Lee, John Buscema, Gene Colan, and John Romita Sr. Collecting CAPTAIN AMERICA #114-124, featuring the Red Skull, the Falcon, MODOK, Nick Fury, AIM, and the cosmic cube! The more things change…
OVERSTREET COMIC BOOK PRICE GUIDE VOL. 38 HC & SC with your choice of covers: Marvel Villains by Mark Sparacio or Star Wars by Doug Wheatley. For some reason there also seems to be a Joe Shuster Superman cover being advertised on the net but there’s no mention of this from the publisher. Weird.
SUPER FRIENDS #1 by Sholly Fisch and Dario Brizuela. Fun for all ages, featuring smiling Batman with the yellow oval on his chest!
TANGENT: SUPERMAN’S REIGN #1 of 12 by Dan Jurgens and Friends. It’s trademark renewin’ time, kids! Alternate universe super-heroes meet their namesakes. Personally I wanna see the Just Imagine Stan Lee and Realworlds versions roll in! If you get these references you’re old.
THOR #7 J. Michael Straczynski and Marko Djurdjevic. A really great issue, among the high points for JMS and Thor in general. Setting up what will no doubt be some very interesting stories in months to come. Highly recommended.
WAR IS HELL: THE FIRST FLIGHT OF THE PHANTOM EAGLE #1 by Garth Ennis and Howard Chaykin. A heavy-hitting creative team tackles the World War I aviator’s adventures in “graphic” style. Not for kids. Highly recommended.
WOLVERINE ORIGINS #23 Daniel Way and Steve Dillon. Okay, Daniel Way is starting to win me over now that he is writing a Three Stooges comic with blood. He’s found a groove that works for him. Now let's make this non-continuity and have a ball. Not for younger kids. Seriously.
www.johnjudy.net
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Picoult booksigning CANCELLED for this Saturday
I called Borders today to check on the availability of her Wonder Woman story arc and was told that she had to cancel her appearance.
Washington Times comics survey
The Times actually has a pretty good comics page. I frequently pick it up in Walter Reed's lobby and tear it out for Michigan State's collection. Harry Bliss' panel is particularly interesting since he'd been known as a New Yorker cartoonist before starting this, but also has been doing children's books. I don't know why they put this on their website, but not in the paper though. Seems to defeat the purpose of it...
Calling all funnies afficionados
The Washington Times is evaluating the items on our Comics page, and we'd like your input.
As it stands, we've got 17 comic strips running on our page. We want to know what you like, what you don't like and even what you feel we're missing.
Our collection ranges from a playful pair of fraternal twins and their grandmother in Grand Avenue to the saucy quips of Fred Basset and the motherly musings of Rose is Rose.
We've also got the indomitable Crankshaft, the geeky but genial Monty and the lovable pup Buckles.
And of course, we've got the daily high school dramas in the long-running Funky Winkerbean, The Buckets' family foibles and the good-natured ribbings of Herb & Jamaal .
The dashing Dick Tracy sniffs out criminals on our page, and the characters of Crock lampoon society and each other out in the desert while the cavemen of B.C. escape the jaws of dinosaurs.
Our Rubes strip is biting but side-splitting, and Bizarro is, well, bizarre.
Rounding out our team is the intrepid maid Hazel, the self-titled strip of Harry Bliss and feline frolicking in Cats With Hands.
For the next two weeks, we're asking our readers to e-mail us the names of their four favorite comic strips. We'd also like to know which ones don't tickle your funny bone and even the names of 'toons we aren't running but are worth a look.
Please send your comments to comics@washingtontimes.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
--Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times
Posted on March 11, 2008
Calling all funnies afficionados
The Washington Times is evaluating the items on our Comics page, and we'd like your input.
As it stands, we've got 17 comic strips running on our page. We want to know what you like, what you don't like and even what you feel we're missing.
Our collection ranges from a playful pair of fraternal twins and their grandmother in Grand Avenue to the saucy quips of Fred Basset and the motherly musings of Rose is Rose.
We've also got the indomitable Crankshaft, the geeky but genial Monty and the lovable pup Buckles.
And of course, we've got the daily high school dramas in the long-running Funky Winkerbean, The Buckets' family foibles and the good-natured ribbings of Herb & Jamaal .
The dashing Dick Tracy sniffs out criminals on our page, and the characters of Crock lampoon society and each other out in the desert while the cavemen of B.C. escape the jaws of dinosaurs.
Our Rubes strip is biting but side-splitting, and Bizarro is, well, bizarre.
Rounding out our team is the intrepid maid Hazel, the self-titled strip of Harry Bliss and feline frolicking in Cats With Hands.
For the next two weeks, we're asking our readers to e-mail us the names of their four favorite comic strips. We'd also like to know which ones don't tickle your funny bone and even the names of 'toons we aren't running but are worth a look.
Please send your comments to comics@washingtontimes.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
--Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times
Posted on March 11, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
March 26: Gene Yang booksigning at Big Planet Comics
On Wednesday, March 26, from 7-8, Gene Yang will be signing copies of his award-winning American Born Chinese at Big Planet Comics, 4908 Fairmont Ave., Bethesda, MD, 301-654-6856.
Post censors Candorville again
Gene Weingarten posted the information about the Post censoring Candorville again on his chat - again the Post didn't tell us that they were keeping us safe from thinking on the comics page.
Weingarten wrote, Once again, The Post dropped a few Candorvilles because they (see them online here) dealt with security for Barack Obama. I am beginning to think this is a mistake by The Post. Darrin Bell has a point he wants to make: This one is based on stories in the Dallas paper that security was not as tight as it should have been for an Obama visit, given the unusual threats he faces.
They appear to have dropped the whole week of March 3rd strips.
Weingarten wrote, Once again, The Post dropped a few Candorvilles because they (see them online here) dealt with security for Barack Obama. I am beginning to think this is a mistake by The Post. Darrin Bell has a point he wants to make: This one is based on stories in the Dallas paper that security was not as tight as it should have been for an Obama visit, given the unusual threats he faces.
They appear to have dropped the whole week of March 3rd strips.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March 15: Jodi Picoult signs
March 15th, 7:30 P.M. Jodi Picoult reads from and signs her new novel, Change of Heart, at Borders Books-Baileys Crossroads, 703-998-0404.
I'm sure she'd sign the collected Wonder Woman arc that came out recently too.
Thanks to Randy T for the tip.
I'm sure she'd sign the collected Wonder Woman arc that came out recently too.
Thanks to Randy T for the tip.
That Thurber anecdote redux
Richard's got a longer and better version on his blog now.
"All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why." – James Thurber, writer and cartoonist.
"All men should strive to learn before they die, what they are running from, and to, and why." – James Thurber, writer and cartoonist.
ICAF moves to Chicago; Rhode refuses to attend
This will be the first one that I've missed. Bah.
The Thirteenth Annual INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTS FORUM (ICAF)
October 9-11, 2008
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.saic.edu)
The International Comic Arts Forum invites scholarly paper presentations for its thirteenth annual meeting, to be held at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, from Thursday, October 9, through Saturday, October 11, 2008. The deadline to submit proposals is May 1, 2008 (see below for proposal guidelines and submission information). Proposals will be refereed via blind review.
We welcome original proposals from a variety of disciplines and theoretical perspectives on any aspect of comics or cartooning, including comic strips, comic books, albums, graphic novels, manga, webcomics, political cartoons, gag cartoons, and caricature. Studies of aesthetics, production, distribution, reception, and social, ideological, and historical significance are all equally welcome, as are studies that address larger theoretical issues linked to comics or cartooning, such as image/text relationships. In keeping with its mission, ICAF is particularly interested in studies that reflect an international perspective.
ICAF is proud to be hosted this year by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a leader in art education and a vital part of Chicago's arts community. In order to create a conference program that reaches out to that community and reflects Chicago's rich heritage of comic art, we particularly invite proposals which touch on cartoonists and publications from the city and surrounding region. Chicago is a major hub of American cartooning, the wellspring of a tremendous variety of work: from the political cartoons of John T. McCutcheon and Bill Mauldin, to the pioneering comic strips of the Chicago Tribune, to the seminal underground cartooning in the Chicago Mirror, Chicago Seed, and Bijou Funnies, to the "independent" comics boom of the 1980s, to contemporary alternative comics by Chris Ware and a host of others. In hopes of building a conference that responds to this important heritage, ICAF invites proposals with special interest in comics and cartoons from Chicago and the American Midwest.
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES: For its refereed presentations, ICAF prefers argumentative, thesis-driven papers that are clearly linked to larger critical, artistic, or cultural issues; we strive to avoid presentations that are merely summative or survey-like in character. We can accept only original papers that have not been presented or accepted for publication elsewhere. Presenters should assume an audience versed in comics and the fundamentals of comics studies. Where possible, papers should be illustrated by relevant images. In all cases, presentations should be timed to finish within the strict limit of twenty (20) minutes (that is, roughly eight to nine typed, double-spaced pages). Proposals should not exceed 300 words.
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT: ICAF's preferred format for the display of images is MS PowerPoint. Regretfully we cannot accommodate non-digital media such as transparencies, slides, or VHS tapes. Presenters should bring their PowerPoint or other electronic files on a USB key or CD, not just on the hard drive of a portable computer. We cannot guarantee the compatibility of our equipment with presenters' individual laptops.
REVIEW PROCESS: All proposals will be subject to blind review by the ICAF Executive Committee, with preference given to proposals that observe the above standards. The final number of papers accepted will depend on the needs of the conference program. Due to increasing interest in the conference, in recent years ICAF has typically been able to accept only one third to one half of the proposals it has received.
SEND ABSTRACTS (with COMPLETE contact information) by May 1, 2008, to Prof. Cécile Danehy, ICAF Academic Coordinator, via email at.
Receipt of proposals will be acknowledged immediately; if you do not receive acknowledgment within three days of sending your proposal, please resubmit. Applicants should expect to receive confirmation of acceptance or rejection by May 16, 2008.
The Thirteenth Annual INTERNATIONAL COMIC ARTS FORUM (ICAF)
October 9-11, 2008
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (http://www.saic.edu)
The International Comic Arts Forum invites scholarly paper presentations for its thirteenth annual meeting, to be held at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, from Thursday, October 9, through Saturday, October 11, 2008. The deadline to submit proposals is May 1, 2008 (see below for proposal guidelines and submission information). Proposals will be refereed via blind review.
We welcome original proposals from a variety of disciplines and theoretical perspectives on any aspect of comics or cartooning, including comic strips, comic books, albums, graphic novels, manga, webcomics, political cartoons, gag cartoons, and caricature. Studies of aesthetics, production, distribution, reception, and social, ideological, and historical significance are all equally welcome, as are studies that address larger theoretical issues linked to comics or cartooning, such as image/text relationships. In keeping with its mission, ICAF is particularly interested in studies that reflect an international perspective.
ICAF is proud to be hosted this year by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a leader in art education and a vital part of Chicago's arts community. In order to create a conference program that reaches out to that community and reflects Chicago's rich heritage of comic art, we particularly invite proposals which touch on cartoonists and publications from the city and surrounding region. Chicago is a major hub of American cartooning, the wellspring of a tremendous variety of work: from the political cartoons of John T. McCutcheon and Bill Mauldin, to the pioneering comic strips of the Chicago Tribune, to the seminal underground cartooning in the Chicago Mirror, Chicago Seed, and Bijou Funnies, to the "independent" comics boom of the 1980s, to contemporary alternative comics by Chris Ware and a host of others. In hopes of building a conference that responds to this important heritage, ICAF invites proposals with special interest in comics and cartoons from Chicago and the American Midwest.
PROPOSAL GUIDELINES: For its refereed presentations, ICAF prefers argumentative, thesis-driven papers that are clearly linked to larger critical, artistic, or cultural issues; we strive to avoid presentations that are merely summative or survey-like in character. We can accept only original papers that have not been presented or accepted for publication elsewhere. Presenters should assume an audience versed in comics and the fundamentals of comics studies. Where possible, papers should be illustrated by relevant images. In all cases, presentations should be timed to finish within the strict limit of twenty (20) minutes (that is, roughly eight to nine typed, double-spaced pages). Proposals should not exceed 300 words.
AUDIOVISUAL EQUIPMENT: ICAF's preferred format for the display of images is MS PowerPoint. Regretfully we cannot accommodate non-digital media such as transparencies, slides, or VHS tapes. Presenters should bring their PowerPoint or other electronic files on a USB key or CD, not just on the hard drive of a portable computer. We cannot guarantee the compatibility of our equipment with presenters' individual laptops.
REVIEW PROCESS: All proposals will be subject to blind review by the ICAF Executive Committee, with preference given to proposals that observe the above standards. The final number of papers accepted will depend on the needs of the conference program. Due to increasing interest in the conference, in recent years ICAF has typically been able to accept only one third to one half of the proposals it has received.
SEND ABSTRACTS (with COMPLETE contact information) by May 1, 2008, to Prof. Cécile Danehy, ICAF Academic Coordinator, via email at
Receipt of proposals will be acknowledged immediately; if you do not receive acknowledgment within three days of sending your proposal, please resubmit. Applicants should expect to receive confirmation of acceptance or rejection by May 16, 2008.
Monday, March 10, 2008
C.D. Batchelor's anti-VD campaign
C.D. Batchelor was a Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist whose career lasted for almost 50 years in New York. One can see similarities in the 1937 Pulitzer winning cartoon and the anti-venereal disease cartoons reproduced below from the collections of the National Museum of Health and Medicine.
"Warning: these enemies are still lurking around. Syphilis.
Gonorrhea." Cartoon by C..D. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygiene Association, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (Reeve79101-67)
"Two girls I know want to meet you in the worst way." C.D. Batchelor, American Social Hygiene Association. (Reeve79101-62)
"The glory of manhood is strength. Keep clean for the heritage of the cleanly is strength." Cartoon by C..D. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygiene Association, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (Reeve79101-52)
"Boys your sweetheart, your wife or your parents may never know it if you contract a venereal disease - but I'll know it and I'll suffer from it." Cartoon by C.D. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygiene Association, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (Reeve79101-11)
"Enemy agent. U.S. War Effort. Venereal Disease." Cartoon by C.D. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygiene Association, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (Reeve79101-16)
"'My boy was wounded in the African landing.' 'Mine was wounded in this country by a street walker.'" Cartoon by C..D. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygiene Association, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. (Reeve79101-31)
Note the difference in quality between Batchelor's original above, and the Army's copy below:
"My boy was wounded in the African landing. Mine was wounded in this country by a street walker." World War 2. "Cartoon by C.C. Batchelor of the New York Daily News for the American Social Hygene Asociation, 1790 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Reproduced by Div. S.S.C. for distribution by Surgeon 3rd Armored Div." (Reeve74964-6.jpg)
Collections of his papers are in Witchita State University's Library in THE CARTOON COLLECTION OF C. D. BATCHELOR, MS 90-16 and C. D. Batchelor Papers - An inventory of his papers at Syracuse University.
JICC show of of paintings by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki.
The Japanese Information and Culture Center downtown has a show of paintings by manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. See "Iconic Edo Landscapes? Not Quite," By Lavanya Ramanathan, Washington Post Saturday, March 8, 2008; C12.
April 24: Poe in Comics exhibit opening (revised date)
The Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 24 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Thursday evening April 24, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with an Unhappy Hour, food, and music, free and open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 24 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Thursday evening April 24, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with an Unhappy Hour, food, and music, free and open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Greg LaRoque article in Sun
Greg LaRoque, who lives outside Baltimore is featured in "LaRoque: Quick on the draw; Illustrator to put his touch on Velocity miniseries," By Michael Sragow, Baltimore Sun Movie Critic, March 9, 2008.
I always enjoyed his work and got to tell him so and buy some original art at last year's Baltimore Comic-Con.
I always enjoyed his work and got to tell him so and buy some original art at last year's Baltimore Comic-Con.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
James Thurber anecdote courtesy of Richard Thompson
Richard reports, "So at my neighbor's daughter's Bat Mitzvah I was chatting with one of his co-workers, a guy who'd grown up around here. He told me that James Thurber had his childhood bow and arrow eyeball accident at a farm that used to be off Rte 7 in Falls Church, and there's even a James Thurber Court there now that marks where the farm stood. I thought it all happened in Columbus OH."
Me too! Who knew a famous cartoonist almost blinded here?
Me too! Who knew a famous cartoonist almost blinded here?
Adrian Tomine "Shortcomings" signing pictures
Here's some photographs from Adrian Tomine's signing of Shortcomings at Politics and Prose. He spoke for about 45 minutes and you can buy a cd recording from the bookstore.
This slide shows a page of original art that he sketched and then changed when inking it. Previous to "Shortcomings" he wrote a full script before drawing anything.
This and the next slide show real buildings he drew.
Tomine's been asked if this is autobiographical, partly due to the resemblance you can see between him and his main character Ben Tanaka, "who's a prick".
There have been a lot of Tomine interviews done lately (list available on request) and you can see a link to Scott Rosenberg's on this blog. Tomine specifically singled out an NPR one as asking him a question he hates - why he hasn't done more "Asian-American experience" comics. That would probably be this interview -
Gross, Terry. 2008.
Adrian Tomine, Drawing Delicately from Life.
National Public Radio and WHYY's Fresh Air (January 31).
online at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18571923
Movie-theater owner Ben Tanaka is having relationship issues; his girlfriend, Miko, suspects he's secretly attracted to white women. (She's right, but he won't admit it.)
In Shortcomings, Asian-American graphic novelist Adrian Tomine (Scrapbook, Summer Blonde) has finally done what many fans and critics have suggested he should: addressed race in his work.
Tomine is celebrated for the grace and sophistication of his work; novelist Jonathan Lethem says that "his mastery of literary time suggests Alice Munro," and Junot Diaz says Tomine's "dramatic instincts are second-to-none."
- and of course, one of the four or five questions he got at P&P was this question too.
This slide shows a page of original art that he sketched and then changed when inking it. Previous to "Shortcomings" he wrote a full script before drawing anything.
This and the next slide show real buildings he drew.
Tomine's been asked if this is autobiographical, partly due to the resemblance you can see between him and his main character Ben Tanaka, "who's a prick".
There have been a lot of Tomine interviews done lately (list available on request) and you can see a link to Scott Rosenberg's on this blog. Tomine specifically singled out an NPR one as asking him a question he hates - why he hasn't done more "Asian-American experience" comics. That would probably be this interview -
Gross, Terry. 2008.
Adrian Tomine, Drawing Delicately from Life.
National Public Radio and WHYY's Fresh Air (January 31).
online at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18571923
Movie-theater owner Ben Tanaka is having relationship issues; his girlfriend, Miko, suspects he's secretly attracted to white women. (She's right, but he won't admit it.)
In Shortcomings, Asian-American graphic novelist Adrian Tomine (Scrapbook, Summer Blonde) has finally done what many fans and critics have suggested he should: addressed race in his work.
Tomine is celebrated for the grace and sophistication of his work; novelist Jonathan Lethem says that "his mastery of literary time suggests Alice Munro," and Junot Diaz says Tomine's "dramatic instincts are second-to-none."
- and of course, one of the four or five questions he got at P&P was this question too.
Other countries have cartoon stamps too
Here's the stamps from a package a French friend sent with Tintin and other cartoon stamps. Unfortunately, when I mailed a package in return to him, the clerk didn't hear when I asked for $36 worth of stamps and instead gave me a printed postage label.
Material like this will appear on my new Cartoonphilately blog.
Material like this will appear on my new Cartoonphilately blog.
Richard Thompson finger puppet
Today's puppet in the Post was McCain. I'm sure Richard will put it on his blog later this week. If you make it, hold it under some running water and see if it seems tortured.
Sports cartoonist Willard Mullin original art viewing
Today, I saw more of Willard Mullin's art than I ever will again. Politico editorial cartoonist Matt Wuerker, Washington Examiner editorial cartoonist Nate Beeler and myself admired Warren's collection of sports cartoonist Willard Mullin's work, including pages of original art. Here's some pictures.
Warren, Matt and Nate look at published advertising works.
Washington Examiner editorial cartoonist Nate Beeler admiring sports cartoonist Willard Mullin's original art. That's a Washington Senators baseball caricature that Nate's peering at.
Matt Wuerker wins award
Matt Wuerker, cartoonist and illustrator for the Politico has won a 3rd place National Headliner Award for the Newspapers/Magazines: Illustrative Graphics catagory. I'm not quite sure what category that is, but Matt's drawn maps and who knows what else for the paper - just like the cartoonists in the early 20th century used to do. Congratulations!
Self-righteous but Forgettable - letter on Staake
This letter published in the Post refers to the Bob Staake cartoon reproduced above. If anyone can tell me what's blasphemous, I'd be glad to hear a semi-cogent argument. Spare me any righteous angst though please. I really don't understand why the cartoon is worse than the contest.
Sacrilegious but Forgivable
Washington Post Saturday, March 8, 2008; Page A13
I was not happy to see a drawing of Jesus in an Elvis Presley-style jumpsuit in the March 1 Style Invitational. As a Christian, I find that blasphemous, and it made me angry with the cartoonist and the people who would publish such a cartoon.
For a second, I empathized with the people who were angry with Danish newspapers that published a cartoon of the prophet Muhammad. Then I remembered that Jesus loves the cartoonist whose work appeared in The Post anyway and expects me to do the same.
Jesus's teachings called for us to love others. What a difference it would make if everyone did that.
-- Shannon Howell
Videogame animation art called terror threat
See "Terror-Themed Game Suspended: Iraqi-Born Artist Asserts Censorship After Exhibit Is Shut Down," By Robin Shulman, Washington Post Staff Writer, Saturday, March 8, 2008; A03.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Post reviewed Katchor play
Missed this yesterday, but the play's in New York anyway - "'Slug Bearers,' a Musical That Breaks the Mold" By Peter Marks, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, March 6, 2008; C01.
Comics in Smithsonian's American Art journal
The next issue from the Smithsonian American Art Museum (or whatever they're calling themselves this week) has several articles on comics, including one by the Library of Congress's Martha Kennedy (who recently passed a copy in a plain brown wrapper to me). See http://americanart.si.edu/education/art_journal.cfm and follow the links for ordering info, but since the issues not live yet, here are the citations from the Comics Research Bibliography's holding slush pile:
Roeder, Katherine. 2008.
Looking High and Low at Comic Art.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 2-9
Kennedy, Martha H. 2008.
Drawing (Cartoons) from Artistic Traditions.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 10-14
Coyle, Heather Campbell. 2008.
Caricature and Criticism in Art Academies.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 15-17
Goerlitz, Amelia A. 2008.
An Interview with Cartoonist Jessica Abel.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 18-22
Nel, Philip. 2008.
The Fall and Rise of Children's Literature.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 23-27
Wang, ShiPu. 2008.
Japan against Japan: U.S. Propaganda and Yasuo Kuniyoshi's Identity Crisis [World War 2 caricature].
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 28-51
Roeder, Katherine. 2008.
Looking High and Low at Comic Art.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 2-9
Kennedy, Martha H. 2008.
Drawing (Cartoons) from Artistic Traditions.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 10-14
Coyle, Heather Campbell. 2008.
Caricature and Criticism in Art Academies.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 15-17
Goerlitz, Amelia A. 2008.
An Interview with Cartoonist Jessica Abel.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 18-22
Nel, Philip. 2008.
The Fall and Rise of Children's Literature.
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 23-27
Wang, ShiPu. 2008.
Japan against Japan: U.S. Propaganda and Yasuo Kuniyoshi's Identity Crisis [World War 2 caricature].
American Art 22 (1; Spring): 28-51
new comic Jane Quiet by my friend Kate
Go to Kate Laity's website to buy the new comic that she and Elena Steier have done. Minor DC connection - Kate's been a houseguest and Elena comes to the Cartoons and Cocktails auction.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-12-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-12-08
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #553 by Bob Gale and Phil Jimenez. One of the best illustrated Spidey stories in a while. Jimenez knows his stuff and “Back to the Future” screenwriter Gale is quickly learning the ropes of comics scripting. Worth a look, even if the whole Spidey-verse feels out of whack since the Deus Ex Mephisto business.
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #5 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard. The further adventures of the most conflicted lycanthrope hero on the stands today. Good stuff, appropriate for older kids.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #10 by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Mayhem abounds now that evil MVP clone KIA has an ultimate weapon in his hands. It’s the sort of government-run super-hero program you’d expect during the Bush years. “Heckuva job, Slottie!” Recommended.
BOOSTER GOLD #7 by Geoff Johns and Dan Jurgens. Blue Beetle’s back! But so is Maxwell Lord. And those stupid OMACs. Seriously, enough with them already…
COUNTDOWN TO MYSTERY #6 of 8 by Steve Gerber and Others. Now sadly among the last works of the great Steve Gerber who passed away recently from a smoking-related illness.
DMZ#29 by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli. A new story-arc begins as the US and Free States begin peace talks and a Che Guevara type player emerges. Also out this week is DMZ VOL. 4: FRIENDLY FIRE SC by Wood and Burchielli. A good jumping-on point for this exciting series.
FANTASTIC FOUR #555 by Mark Millar and Brian Hitch. A swell adventure story with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from the original ULTIMATES creative team. Recommended.
HARVEY COMICS CLASSICS VOL. 3: HOT STUFF SC by Various Creators. Collecting over 100 tales of comics’ original Little Devil, the Demon in a Diaper: HOT STUFF! A perfect gateway for all age groups into hardcore Satanism! Highly recommended!
LAST DEFENDERS #1 of 6 by Joe Casey, Keith Giffen, and Jim Muniz. Answering the musical question "How Often Do You Need to Publish a Title to Retain an Active Trademark?" Doo-wop, doo-wop...
MIGHTY AVENGERS #10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. Okay, it’s a time-travel story. Just know that going in. There’s fights too.
PUNISHER #55 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. Ennis’s final PUNISHER story begins here. Gotta have it.
SERENITY: BETTER DAYS #1 of 3 by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad. A story from the pre-Big Screen days of Captain Mal Reynolds and his crew. Y’know, back when everyone was still alive. A nice preview is available at Dark Horse’s website. Recommended.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: PHANTOM STRANGER, VOL. 2 SC by Various Creators. Bronze and Silver Age fun from folks like Bob Haney, Jim Aparo, Marv Wolfman, Mike Grell, and others. Good for all ages.
THUNDERBOLTS #119 by Warren Ellis and Mike Deodato. Swordsman and Venom fight. It's awesome. Not for younger kids.
WALKING DEAD #47 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. After last issue’s shocking cast member death will Kirkman up the ante? The cover suggests he will. Devastating stuff. Recommended but NOT for kids.
WOLVERINE #63 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. It's official: There is a WOLVERINE comic on the stands that DOES NOT SUCK!!! Thank-you, Jason Aaron! Highly recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #18 by Gail Simone and Bernard Chang. Wonder Woman fights the Khunds. They’re an alien race. Honest. Oh stop it already…
X-FACTOR #29 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro. A nicely illustrated first chapter blissfully apart from the various cross-overs and Events currently ricocheting around the Marvel Yoo. Also contains the most deeply buried credits page I've ever seen.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #553 by Bob Gale and Phil Jimenez. One of the best illustrated Spidey stories in a while. Jimenez knows his stuff and “Back to the Future” screenwriter Gale is quickly learning the ropes of comics scripting. Worth a look, even if the whole Spidey-verse feels out of whack since the Deus Ex Mephisto business.
ASTOUNDING WOLF-MAN #5 by Robert Kirkman and Jason Howard. The further adventures of the most conflicted lycanthrope hero on the stands today. Good stuff, appropriate for older kids.
AVENGERS INITIATIVE #10 by Dan Slott and Stefano Caselli. Mayhem abounds now that evil MVP clone KIA has an ultimate weapon in his hands. It’s the sort of government-run super-hero program you’d expect during the Bush years. “Heckuva job, Slottie!” Recommended.
BOOSTER GOLD #7 by Geoff Johns and Dan Jurgens. Blue Beetle’s back! But so is Maxwell Lord. And those stupid OMACs. Seriously, enough with them already…
COUNTDOWN TO MYSTERY #6 of 8 by Steve Gerber and Others. Now sadly among the last works of the great Steve Gerber who passed away recently from a smoking-related illness.
DMZ#29 by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli. A new story-arc begins as the US and Free States begin peace talks and a Che Guevara type player emerges. Also out this week is DMZ VOL. 4: FRIENDLY FIRE SC by Wood and Burchielli. A good jumping-on point for this exciting series.
FANTASTIC FOUR #555 by Mark Millar and Brian Hitch. A swell adventure story with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from the original ULTIMATES creative team. Recommended.
HARVEY COMICS CLASSICS VOL. 3: HOT STUFF SC by Various Creators. Collecting over 100 tales of comics’ original Little Devil, the Demon in a Diaper: HOT STUFF! A perfect gateway for all age groups into hardcore Satanism! Highly recommended!
LAST DEFENDERS #1 of 6 by Joe Casey, Keith Giffen, and Jim Muniz. Answering the musical question "How Often Do You Need to Publish a Title to Retain an Active Trademark?" Doo-wop, doo-wop...
MIGHTY AVENGERS #10 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. Okay, it’s a time-travel story. Just know that going in. There’s fights too.
PUNISHER #55 by Garth Ennis and Goran Parlov. Ennis’s final PUNISHER story begins here. Gotta have it.
SERENITY: BETTER DAYS #1 of 3 by Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, and Will Conrad. A story from the pre-Big Screen days of Captain Mal Reynolds and his crew. Y’know, back when everyone was still alive. A nice preview is available at Dark Horse’s website. Recommended.
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: PHANTOM STRANGER, VOL. 2 SC by Various Creators. Bronze and Silver Age fun from folks like Bob Haney, Jim Aparo, Marv Wolfman, Mike Grell, and others. Good for all ages.
THUNDERBOLTS #119 by Warren Ellis and Mike Deodato. Swordsman and Venom fight. It's awesome. Not for younger kids.
WALKING DEAD #47 by Robert Kirkman and Charles Adlard. After last issue’s shocking cast member death will Kirkman up the ante? The cover suggests he will. Devastating stuff. Recommended but NOT for kids.
WOLVERINE #63 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. It's official: There is a WOLVERINE comic on the stands that DOES NOT SUCK!!! Thank-you, Jason Aaron! Highly recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #18 by Gail Simone and Bernard Chang. Wonder Woman fights the Khunds. They’re an alien race. Honest. Oh stop it already…
X-FACTOR #29 by Peter David and Valentine DeLandro. A nicely illustrated first chapter blissfully apart from the various cross-overs and Events currently ricocheting around the Marvel Yoo. Also contains the most deeply buried credits page I've ever seen.
www.johnjudy.net
Michael Chabon, formerly of Columbia, MD, on superhero costumes
Secret Skin: An essay in unitard theory, by Michael Chabon, The New Yorker, March 10, 2008. He talks about growing up in Columbia toward the end of the essay.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Craig Fischer on his last time in Washington and Pat Oliphant
Craig's got a post on his Thought Balloonist blog about being in DC last fall for ICAF and seeing Pat Oliphant. Charles Hatfield, who was also there, responds, but fails to mention anything about DC at all.
Seriously, my buddies have a good blog going and it's well worth reading regularly.
Seriously, my buddies have a good blog going and it's well worth reading regularly.
Geppi branches out into movie theaters in Baltimore
See "Geppi to reopen cineplex at Westview," By Chris Kaltenbach | Baltimore Sun reporter, March 6, 2008.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tomine article in Express
Scott Rosenberg's back - or at least writing locally. "On the heritage trail: Adrian Tomine knows his 'Shortcomings' - and he knows yours [Online title - Heritage Trail: Adrian Tomine]." Washington Post] Express (March 5): 22.
I'll be at the signing tonight.
I'll be at the signing tonight.
3/29 - Peter David & Colleen Doran in Charlottesville, VA at Virginia Festival of The Book
The overall event takes place March 26-30, 2008 in Charlottesville, VA, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the DC Metro area, but Peter and Colleen's specific panel, Graphics at Gravity: Comics and Novels, takes place at noon on the 29th at the Gravity Lounge (103 S. First Street). And I quote:
"Two accomplished comics creators, writer Peter David (Writing for Comics with Peter David) and writer/illustrator Colleen Doran (Girl to Grrrl Manga: How to Draw the Hottest Shoujo Manga), discuss their graphic novels and comic books. Box lunches are available. $8. For choices and to order, see www.gravity-lounge.com."
And the obligatory bios:
"Featuring:
Peter David is a writer who has had over 70 novels and over 1,000 comics and graphic novels published, including numerous appearances on the New York Times Bestsellers List. His works include Mascot to the Rescue, Tigerheart, Sir Apropos of Nothing, Knight Life, Howling Mad, and the Psi-Man adventure series.
Colleen Doran is an illustrator and author of numerous graphic novels and comic books. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Smithsonian Institution. She is working on five new projects for Marvel, DC, HarperCollins, Archie and Image."
There are certainly a good number of other individuals attending this event as well, but the only ones that rang a bell for me were TV news/History Channel personality Roger Mudd and headliner Mike Farrell of M*A*S*H fame.
"Two accomplished comics creators, writer Peter David (Writing for Comics with Peter David) and writer/illustrator Colleen Doran (Girl to Grrrl Manga: How to Draw the Hottest Shoujo Manga), discuss their graphic novels and comic books. Box lunches are available. $8. For choices and to order, see www.gravity-lounge.com."
And the obligatory bios:
"Featuring:
Peter David is a writer who has had over 70 novels and over 1,000 comics and graphic novels published, including numerous appearances on the New York Times Bestsellers List. His works include Mascot to the Rescue, Tigerheart, Sir Apropos of Nothing, Knight Life, Howling Mad, and the Psi-Man adventure series.
Colleen Doran is an illustrator and author of numerous graphic novels and comic books. She has been an artist-in-residence at the Smithsonian Institution. She is working on five new projects for Marvel, DC, HarperCollins, Archie and Image."There are certainly a good number of other individuals attending this event as well, but the only ones that rang a bell for me were TV news/History Channel personality Roger Mudd and headliner Mike Farrell of M*A*S*H fame.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
March 5 - Miss Columbia and Mr. Tomine
Remember - Whatever happened to Miss Columbia lecture at noon at the Library of Congress and then Adrian Tomine at 7 pm at Politics and Prose up Nebraska. I'm thinking both of these should be good, although I'm betting Miss Columbia got subsumed into the Statue of Liberty, aka Lady Liberty. Just look at some 9-11 cartoons of her and Uncle Sam hanging together.
The City Paper's blurb on Tomine's online now too.
The City Paper's blurb on Tomine's online now too.
Cameroon expat cartoonist raises funds for polio victim
Issa Nayaphaga sent a note to me today about his exhibit in New York City. He's living part of the time in Mount Ranier outside DC and his work's been exhibited there too.
Issa wrote, "In October 2007, I initiated an action to support Ibrahim 17 years old, who is a victim of Polio, in Cameroon.
I'm selling my work in order to buy him a custom designed 3 wheeled bicycle to enable him to get around and lead his life in a productive way.
If some of you can't make it to the reception, please save this postcard and consider sending your check to Joe's Movement.
Thank you for writing "Hope for Ibrahim" on the back of your check.
I'll keep you informed.
All the best
Issa"
www.nyaphaga.com
Sounds like a good cause, doesn't it? Issa's an expat by the way because his editorial cartoons weren't looked upon with favor by the government.
His New York exhibit's open through the end of the week, he says, "If you didn't have a chance to go yet, you have until this Friday evening March 7th-- I'm taking the show down Saturday morning. Invite your friends!
The show is open 24 Hours, located at:
Hotel Roger Smith, 501 Lexington Avenue - NYC
(cross street 47th East - 2 blocks North from Grand Central)."
Express online article about Family Guy
See "Dear Seth MacFarlane: Please Fix 'Family Guy'," Posted by Greg Barber at 3:25 PM on March 3, 2008.
March 27 - One Piece Movie anime screening
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083
president@dcanimeclub.org
One Piece Movie to be screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan.
The Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the DC Anime Club Present the Washington, DC Premier of One Piece the Movie: Episode of Alabaster on Thursday
March 27,2008 6:30 pm as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
About One Piece The Movie: Six pirates, may be all that stand between salvation and total destruction!
The Straw Hat Pirates are on a quest to save the desert kingdom of Alabasta. A civil war brews there among the sands, one started and stirred by the hand of none other than Crocodile and his corrupted Baroque Works gang. The stakes run ever higher as Princess Vivi’s homeland threatens to tear itself apart. More than lives are on the line…
Based upon the hit Manga One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
In Japanese with English Subtitles 90 minutes.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpwinter08@embjapan.org
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/ or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
About DC Anime Club:
DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington,DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are taxed deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am. DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in ARMS) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
About Japan Information and Culture Center:
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) is the cultural and public affairs section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. Our primary role is to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of
information,educational services and programs to the public. The JICC is located on the lower level of the glass-enclosed Galleria at Lafayette Centre III in downtown Washington, D.C. Its facilities include a research library, a 152-seat
auditorium, and a 1,500-square-foot exhibition gallery where a wide variety of events
sponsored by the JICC are hosted throughout the year.
--
Christopher Wanamaker
DC Anime Club President
http://www.dcanimeclub.org
202 262 2083
CONTACT: Chris Wanamaker, (202) 262 2083
president@dcanimeclub.org
One Piece Movie to be screened at the Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan.
The Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the DC Anime Club Present the Washington, DC Premier of One Piece the Movie: Episode of Alabaster on Thursday
March 27,2008 6:30 pm as part of inaugural showing for a new film series based on both Anime (Japanese Animation) and Manga ( Japanese Comics).
About One Piece The Movie: Six pirates, may be all that stand between salvation and total destruction!
The Straw Hat Pirates are on a quest to save the desert kingdom of Alabasta. A civil war brews there among the sands, one started and stirred by the hand of none other than Crocodile and his corrupted Baroque Works gang. The stakes run ever higher as Princess Vivi’s homeland threatens to tear itself apart. More than lives are on the line…
Based upon the hit Manga One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
In Japanese with English Subtitles 90 minutes.
This event is free and open to the public. Reservations are required.
RSVP to jiccrsvpwinter08@embjapan.org
Seating is limited and granted on a first come, first served basis.
This program is free and open to the public. For more information please visit the Japanese Information and Culture Center website at http://www.us.embjapan.go.jp/jicc/ or visit the DC Anime Club website at http://dcanimeclub.org.
About DC Anime Club:
DCAC was established in 2003 to introduce and educate people in the Washington,DC area about East Asian culture, through viewing and discussion of Japanese animation (also known as anime) and Japanese comics (manga). DCAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, contributions to DC Anime Club are taxed deductible to the extent allowable under the law.
The club also works to provide a positive, alternative activity to the youth in the area by exposing them to foreign culture, encouraging artistic expression and creativity, and providing opportunities for participation in community activities and leadership.
In addition to our weekly meetings, the club holds an Annual Art Show, an Annual Costume fundraising event, and visits local schools to do presentations on anime. The club also works with the Smithsonian Freer Gallery and DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival on their anime screenings, and has helped locally promote performances for Japanese bands such as Puffy Ami Yumi and Pine am. DC Anime Club was founded by Chris Wanamaker (President), Jules Chang (Vice President) and Craig Vaughn (Sgt in ARMS) on Saturday June 5, 2003. We have a strong membership that continues to grow -- most of which are teenagers.
About Japan Information and Culture Center:
The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) is the cultural and public affairs section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. Our primary role is to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing a wide range of
information,educational services and programs to the public. The JICC is located on the lower level of the glass-enclosed Galleria at Lafayette Centre III in downtown Washington, D.C. Its facilities include a research library, a 152-seat
auditorium, and a 1,500-square-foot exhibition gallery where a wide variety of events
sponsored by the JICC are hosted throughout the year.
--
Christopher Wanamaker
DC Anime Club President
http://www.dcanimeclub.org
202 262 2083
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Mark Wheatley interview
See "WHEATLEY & TINNELL COMICS ON EZ STREET" by Jennifer M. Contino, Comicon's The Pulse 02-28-2008.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mark Tatulli of Lio chat on WashPost.com
See "Meet the Comics Pages: Mark Tatulli, Cartoonist -- Lio", Friday, February 29, 2008; 1:00 PM. Note our man Thompson get schooled by Tobin towards the end for daring to ask about Beetle Bailey.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-05-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 03-05-08
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #552 by Bob Gale and Phil Jimenez. The writer of “Back to the Future” takes on Spidey. “Great Scott!” No wait, that’s X-Men….
BOYS #16 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Involving an undead “hero” and a gerbil. Ennis pushes the envelope and then sticks it screaming into the shredder. Not for kids.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #12 by Drew Goddard and Georges Jeanty. A new story-arc “Wolves at the Gate” from the writer of “Alias”, “Lost”, and “Cloverfield.” Set in Tokyo.
CABLE #1 by Duane Swierczynski and Ariel Olivetti. Cable's in 2043 New Jersey which is even worse than 2008 New Jersey if such a thing is possible. And he's got the mutant killer Jesus baby from “Messiah Complex.” At least there's violence.
CLANDESTINE #2 of 5 written and drawn by Alan Davis. An immortal family dramedy reminiscent of a good "Buffy" but with a lot of back-story. And it's got Davis art so of course it looks great.
FABLES: 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL SC by Bill Willingham and Every Artist You Love, including Vess, Bolland, Kaluta, and many more! Something for everyone! Recommended!
GREEN LANTERN #28 by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone. More fun with the Alpha Lanterns, the Lost Lanterns, and the Pistachio Rocky-Road Lanterns!
JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Lotsa never before seen goodies celebrating the release of the popular DVD.
KIRBY: KING OF COMICS HC by Mark Evanier. Years in the making, this is Evanier’s tribute to his former boss and long-time friend, Jack Kirby, the guy who co-created the foundations of the Marvel Universe and a lot more. Already going back to press, this book is a must for all subjects of The King. Highly Recommended.
LOGAN #1 of 3 by Brian K. Vaughan and Eduardo Risso. Given the creative team this book shall surely take its place in the small but elite club of “Wolverine Comics That Don’t Suck.”
NORTHLANDERS #4 by Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice. Sven the Uber-Viking faces repercussions from his latest naughtiness. Great stuff from the author of DMZ.
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN #6 of 10 by Jonathan Lethem and Faryl Dalrymple. This issue has a nice but spare memorial page to the late Steve Gerber, creator of Omega the Unknown and Howard the Duck, who passed away recently from a smoking-related illness. Beyond that you're either into this series already or you're not.
SCALPED #15 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Introducing Mr. Brass and his little black bag of pain. Okay, all of you have to start reading this now. Except for the kids. Highly recommended.
STREETS OF GLORY #4 of 6 by Garth Ennis and Mike Wolfer. The battle rages on against renegade Indians, blown shipping deadlines, and Avatar’s crummy website.
TERRY MOORE’S ECHO #1 written and drawn by Terry Moore. The creator of STRANGERS IN PARADISE wonders what it would be like to be the host of a symbiotic nuclear weapon and a dead woman who lives in your heart. Well, who hasn’t?!
THE TWELVE #3 of 12 J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. A really strong issue focusing on how the twelve time-tossed heroes of the 40s are adjusting to the 21st century. Gorgeous art by Weston. Thus far the strongest of the three "golden-age revival" books on the stands this month. Highly recommended.
UNCANNY X-MEN #496 by Ed Brubaker and Mike Choi. Global Mutant Action in San Francisco and Russia! A good issue but one you shouldn't read until the current ASTONISHING X-MEN story wraps up. Major Spoiler Alert! Otherwise recommended.
YOUNG LIARS #1 written and drawn by David Lapham. The creator of STRAY BULLETS begins his first full-color monthly book featuring the adventures of a brain-damaged rich girl, a pathological liar, and their entourage of losers. Not for the young or faint of heart. Recommended.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #552 by Bob Gale and Phil Jimenez. The writer of “Back to the Future” takes on Spidey. “Great Scott!” No wait, that’s X-Men….
BOYS #16 by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Involving an undead “hero” and a gerbil. Ennis pushes the envelope and then sticks it screaming into the shredder. Not for kids.
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #12 by Drew Goddard and Georges Jeanty. A new story-arc “Wolves at the Gate” from the writer of “Alias”, “Lost”, and “Cloverfield.” Set in Tokyo.
CABLE #1 by Duane Swierczynski and Ariel Olivetti. Cable's in 2043 New Jersey which is even worse than 2008 New Jersey if such a thing is possible. And he's got the mutant killer Jesus baby from “Messiah Complex.” At least there's violence.
CLANDESTINE #2 of 5 written and drawn by Alan Davis. An immortal family dramedy reminiscent of a good "Buffy" but with a lot of back-story. And it's got Davis art so of course it looks great.
FABLES: 1001 NIGHTS OF SNOWFALL SC by Bill Willingham and Every Artist You Love, including Vess, Bolland, Kaluta, and many more! Something for everyone! Recommended!
GREEN LANTERN #28 by Geoff Johns and Mike McKone. More fun with the Alpha Lanterns, the Lost Lanterns, and the Pistachio Rocky-Road Lanterns!
JUSTICE LEAGUE: NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL written and drawn by Darwyn Cooke. Lotsa never before seen goodies celebrating the release of the popular DVD.
KIRBY: KING OF COMICS HC by Mark Evanier. Years in the making, this is Evanier’s tribute to his former boss and long-time friend, Jack Kirby, the guy who co-created the foundations of the Marvel Universe and a lot more. Already going back to press, this book is a must for all subjects of The King. Highly Recommended.
LOGAN #1 of 3 by Brian K. Vaughan and Eduardo Risso. Given the creative team this book shall surely take its place in the small but elite club of “Wolverine Comics That Don’t Suck.”
NORTHLANDERS #4 by Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice. Sven the Uber-Viking faces repercussions from his latest naughtiness. Great stuff from the author of DMZ.
OMEGA THE UNKNOWN #6 of 10 by Jonathan Lethem and Faryl Dalrymple. This issue has a nice but spare memorial page to the late Steve Gerber, creator of Omega the Unknown and Howard the Duck, who passed away recently from a smoking-related illness. Beyond that you're either into this series already or you're not.
SCALPED #15 by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera. Introducing Mr. Brass and his little black bag of pain. Okay, all of you have to start reading this now. Except for the kids. Highly recommended.
STREETS OF GLORY #4 of 6 by Garth Ennis and Mike Wolfer. The battle rages on against renegade Indians, blown shipping deadlines, and Avatar’s crummy website.
TERRY MOORE’S ECHO #1 written and drawn by Terry Moore. The creator of STRANGERS IN PARADISE wonders what it would be like to be the host of a symbiotic nuclear weapon and a dead woman who lives in your heart. Well, who hasn’t?!
THE TWELVE #3 of 12 J. Michael Straczynski and Chris Weston. A really strong issue focusing on how the twelve time-tossed heroes of the 40s are adjusting to the 21st century. Gorgeous art by Weston. Thus far the strongest of the three "golden-age revival" books on the stands this month. Highly recommended.
UNCANNY X-MEN #496 by Ed Brubaker and Mike Choi. Global Mutant Action in San Francisco and Russia! A good issue but one you shouldn't read until the current ASTONISHING X-MEN story wraps up. Major Spoiler Alert! Otherwise recommended.
YOUNG LIARS #1 written and drawn by David Lapham. The creator of STRAY BULLETS begins his first full-color monthly book featuring the adventures of a brain-damaged rich girl, a pathological liar, and their entourage of losers. Not for the young or faint of heart. Recommended.
www.johnjudy.net
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Mr. Big wins Day Prize
Matt Dembicki writes in to say, "-Mr. Big was named the 2007 Day Prize winner (Dave Sim called me to tell me). Carol and I will be exhibiting at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend, where we'll receive the award. Should be an all-around fun weekend!"
Congratulations Matt and Carol! Mr. Big is an all-ages story of a turtle for those who haven't seen it yet.
For more information, see http://www.backporchcomics.com/day_prize_announcement.htm
Congratulations Matt and Carol! Mr. Big is an all-ages story of a turtle for those who haven't seen it yet.
For more information, see http://www.backporchcomics.com/day_prize_announcement.htm
March 5: Berg lecture on Columbia at LoC
Martha Kennedy reminds us:
For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area who might be interested, we invite you to Swann Fellow Dr. Ellen Berg’s public talk titled "Where Have You Gone, Miss Columbia? American Identity and Uncle Sam’s Forgotten Partner,” at noon on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, in Dining Room A, 6th floor Madison Building, Library of Congress at 101 Independence S.E., Washington, DC. In her lecture, she will draw on the Library’s collections of cartoon prints, posters, drawings, and related items which contain many portrayals of Miss Columbia in order to examine how changing depictions of Columbia reflect parallel changes in ideas about American identity and feminine nationalism.
We hope very much that some of you can join us!
For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area who might be interested, we invite you to Swann Fellow Dr. Ellen Berg’s public talk titled "Where Have You Gone, Miss Columbia? American Identity and Uncle Sam’s Forgotten Partner,” at noon on Wednesday, March 5, 2008, in Dining Room A, 6th floor Madison Building, Library of Congress at 101 Independence S.E., Washington, DC. In her lecture, she will draw on the Library’s collections of cartoon prints, posters, drawings, and related items which contain many portrayals of Miss Columbia in order to examine how changing depictions of Columbia reflect parallel changes in ideas about American identity and feminine nationalism.
We hope very much that some of you can join us!
March 18: CARTOONS BY MODERNIST PAINTER AD REINHARDT
CARTOONS BY MODERNIST PAINTER AD REINHARDT DISCUSSED AT LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ON MARCH 18
During World War II, American abstract expressionist painter Ad Reinhardt made a series of little-known but striking cartoon collages of Adolf Hitler. Reinhardt’s overlooked cartoon work will be discussed by Swann Foundation Fellow Prudence Peiffer in a lecture at the Library of Congress on March 18.
Peiffer’s presentation, “How to Look at Ad Reinhardt’s World War II Cartoons in America,” will begin at noon on Tuesday, March 18, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.
The illustrated talk is based on research conducted by Peiffer at the Library of Congress during her fellowship, which was awarded last year by the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon. The lecture is sponsored by the foundation, which is managed by the Library, and the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division.
The cartoon collages by Reinhardt (1913-1967) were published during World War II in The New Masses journal and PM newspaper. By 1946, he had honed his collage technique in his “How to Look at Modern Art” cartoons.
In her talk, Peiffer will explore how Reinhardt mined the history of political cartoons to create his own unique strategy of radical aesthetics, and she will argue for a connection between his best-known abstract paintings from the 1950s and 1960s and his earlier cartoon work. She will draw upon examples of Reinhardt’s published cartoon creations and drawings by such cartoonists as Miguel Covarrubias (1904-1957), whose work influenced the younger artist.
In addition to being a Swann fellow at the Library of Congress, Peiffer is a pre-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. She is a doctoral candidate in 20th-century art history at Harvard University and is writing her dissertation titled “Routine Extremism: Ad Reinhardt and Modern Art.” Peiffer completed a master’s degree in the history of art and architecture at Harvard and a bachelor’s in art history at Yale University. Her particular interest is in the intersections between abstraction and figuration in 20th-century art.
Peiffer’s presentation is part of the Swann Foundation’s continuing activities to support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. The foundation’s advisory board is made up of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members.
The Swann Foundation customarily awards one fellowship annually (with a stipend of $15,000) to assist scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. More information about the fellowship is available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site: www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/ or by e-mailing swann@loc.gov.
# # #
PR08-42
2/28/08
ISSN: 0731-3527
During World War II, American abstract expressionist painter Ad Reinhardt made a series of little-known but striking cartoon collages of Adolf Hitler. Reinhardt’s overlooked cartoon work will be discussed by Swann Foundation Fellow Prudence Peiffer in a lecture at the Library of Congress on March 18.
Peiffer’s presentation, “How to Look at Ad Reinhardt’s World War II Cartoons in America,” will begin at noon on Tuesday, March 18, in Dining Room A on the sixth floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. The event is free and open to the public; no reservations are required.
The illustrated talk is based on research conducted by Peiffer at the Library of Congress during her fellowship, which was awarded last year by the Swann Foundation for Caricature and Cartoon. The lecture is sponsored by the foundation, which is managed by the Library, and the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division.
The cartoon collages by Reinhardt (1913-1967) were published during World War II in The New Masses journal and PM newspaper. By 1946, he had honed his collage technique in his “How to Look at Modern Art” cartoons.
In her talk, Peiffer will explore how Reinhardt mined the history of political cartoons to create his own unique strategy of radical aesthetics, and she will argue for a connection between his best-known abstract paintings from the 1950s and 1960s and his earlier cartoon work. She will draw upon examples of Reinhardt’s published cartoon creations and drawings by such cartoonists as Miguel Covarrubias (1904-1957), whose work influenced the younger artist.
In addition to being a Swann fellow at the Library of Congress, Peiffer is a pre-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. She is a doctoral candidate in 20th-century art history at Harvard University and is writing her dissertation titled “Routine Extremism: Ad Reinhardt and Modern Art.” Peiffer completed a master’s degree in the history of art and architecture at Harvard and a bachelor’s in art history at Yale University. Her particular interest is in the intersections between abstraction and figuration in 20th-century art.
Peiffer’s presentation is part of the Swann Foundation’s continuing activities to support the study, interpretation, preservation and appreciation of original works of humorous and satiric art by graphic artists from around the world. The foundation’s advisory board is made up of scholars, collectors, cartoonists and Library of Congress staff members.
The Swann Foundation customarily awards one fellowship annually (with a stipend of $15,000) to assist scholarly research and writing projects in the field of caricature and cartoon. More information about the fellowship is available through the Swann Foundation’s Web site: www.loc.gov/rr/print/swann/ or by e-mailing swann@loc.gov.
# # #
PR08-42
2/28/08
ISSN: 0731-3527
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Disney helps Walter Reed says the Post
"Trying Some Disney Attitude to Help Cure Walter Reed," By Steve Vogel, Washington Post Staff Writer, Monday, February 25, 2008; B01.
Monday, February 25, 2008
March 5: Adrian Tomine at Polilitics and Prose
Just got an email from Drawn and Quarterly with his Shortcomings book tour schedule and it's WASHINGTON DC Wednesday, March 5th, 2008 7:00 PM Politics & Prose. See www.politics-prose.com
Not your typical Dagwood
The image on the left is by Eric Shansby, who illustrates Gene Weingarten's column in the Washington Post Magazine. This is from the February 24th issue in which someone pitches the idea of a no-work holiday on leap day. I always enjoy seeing comics characters drawn by a different artist.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-27-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-27-08
By John Judy
ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #9 by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. Brace yourselves….
BATMAN #674 by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. Torture! Isolation! Bat-Mite! Three great tastes that go great together!
BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL #1 by Reginald Hudlin, Larry Stroman, and Ken Lashley. A peek into the future with magic frogs. Good stuff.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #35 by Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice. In which we learn not to trust a Nazi analyst with a beard longer than all of Z.Z. Top put together.
CRIME BIBLE: THE FIVE LESSONS OF BLOOOD #5 of 5 by Greg Rucka, Manuuel Garcia, and Jimmy Palmiotti. Final issue with an awesome cover by John Van Fleet.
CRIMINAL 2 #1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Just the best damn comic on the stands. Honest. Not for kids. Lots of extras and a great jumping-on point for all. Highly Recommended.
DAN DARE #4 by Garth Ennis and Gary Erskine. It’s space-opera, Ennis-style!
DAREDEVIL #105 by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. The big showdown with Mister Fear a.ka. “Larry.” It’s a great pay-off and a classic Brubaker twist of the knife. Recommended.
GRAVEL #1 by Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer, and Raulo Caceres. Ellis’s “Combat Magician” is back! Brutal hi-jinks ensue! NOT for kids.
HELLBLAZER #241 by Andy Diggle and Leonardo Manco. An evil war-mage is after Constantine and none of his friends want to help. In other words, it’s Wednesday.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #13 by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross, and Dale Eaglesham. Featuring a classic floating-heads cover by Alex Ross! With a story inside!
KICK ASS #1 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. It would appear to contain fisticuffs.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA HEROES, VOL. 2 HC by John Romita Sr., Bill Everett, and Other Underpaid Folks. If you like seeing Captain America, the Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner fighting commies, this is the book for you!
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #5 of 5 by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips. Some will live! Some will die! Some will die again! Or will they….?
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #1 of 6 by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, and Carlos Paul. The “golden-age heroes in the modern world” story NOT being written by Straczynski! Thank-you, expired copyrights!
RASL #1 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. In Smith’s own words: “”It’s pronounced ‘Razzle.’ It’s Blade Runner meets Jason Bourne. He’s an art thief who jumps dimensions. It’s a serialized graphic novel that’ll take about two years to finish.” In other words, this one’s the Event of the Week!
SHE-HULK #26 by Peter David and Shawn Moll. Bounty-huntin’, badoon smackin’, raise the dead action from the PAD-guy!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL. 2 SC by Otto Binder, Curt Swan, Wayne Boring, and Others! Classic tales of Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane! Good for the whole family!
SPIDER-MAN: WITH GREAT POWER #2 of 5 by David Lapham and Tony Harris. Tales from after the bite but before Uncle Ben got killed by Generic Thug or Sandman or whoever.
THOR #6 by J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Copiel. Tales of Asgard by way of Oklahoma. Also a tough decision is reached.
WORLD WAR HULK AFTERSMASH: DAMAGE CONTROL #2 of 3 by Dwayne McDuffie and Salva Espin. If Halliburton existed in the Marvel Universe (and wasn’t completely evil) it would be Damage Control.
YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS: HULKLING #2 of 6 by Brian Reed and Harvey Tolibao. A father-son reunion for Hulkling and Captain Mar-Vell. Nice stuff.
Plus PREVIEWS from Diamond and Marvel Comics.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN #9 by Frank Miller and Jim Lee. Brace yourselves….
BATMAN #674 by Grant Morrison and Tony Daniel. Torture! Isolation! Bat-Mite! Three great tastes that go great together!
BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL #1 by Reginald Hudlin, Larry Stroman, and Ken Lashley. A peek into the future with magic frogs. Good stuff.
CAPTAIN AMERICA #35 by Ed Brubaker and Butch Guice. In which we learn not to trust a Nazi analyst with a beard longer than all of Z.Z. Top put together.
CRIME BIBLE: THE FIVE LESSONS OF BLOOOD #5 of 5 by Greg Rucka, Manuuel Garcia, and Jimmy Palmiotti. Final issue with an awesome cover by John Van Fleet.
CRIMINAL 2 #1 by Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Just the best damn comic on the stands. Honest. Not for kids. Lots of extras and a great jumping-on point for all. Highly Recommended.
DAN DARE #4 by Garth Ennis and Gary Erskine. It’s space-opera, Ennis-style!
DAREDEVIL #105 by Ed Brubaker and Michael Lark. The big showdown with Mister Fear a.ka. “Larry.” It’s a great pay-off and a classic Brubaker twist of the knife. Recommended.
GRAVEL #1 by Warren Ellis, Mike Wolfer, and Raulo Caceres. Ellis’s “Combat Magician” is back! Brutal hi-jinks ensue! NOT for kids.
HELLBLAZER #241 by Andy Diggle and Leonardo Manco. An evil war-mage is after Constantine and none of his friends want to help. In other words, it’s Wednesday.
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #13 by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross, and Dale Eaglesham. Featuring a classic floating-heads cover by Alex Ross! With a story inside!
KICK ASS #1 by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. It would appear to contain fisticuffs.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ATLAS ERA HEROES, VOL. 2 HC by John Romita Sr., Bill Everett, and Other Underpaid Folks. If you like seeing Captain America, the Human Torch, and the Sub-Mariner fighting commies, this is the book for you!
MARVEL ZOMBIES 2 #5 of 5 by Robert Kirkman and Sean Phillips. Some will live! Some will die! Some will die again! Or will they….?
PROJECT SUPERPOWERS #1 of 6 by Alex Ross, Jim Krueger, and Carlos Paul. The “golden-age heroes in the modern world” story NOT being written by Straczynski! Thank-you, expired copyrights!
RASL #1 written and drawn by Jeff Smith. In Smith’s own words: “”It’s pronounced ‘Razzle.’ It’s Blade Runner meets Jason Bourne. He’s an art thief who jumps dimensions. It’s a serialized graphic novel that’ll take about two years to finish.” In other words, this one’s the Event of the Week!
SHE-HULK #26 by Peter David and Shawn Moll. Bounty-huntin’, badoon smackin’, raise the dead action from the PAD-guy!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS SUPERMAN FAMILY VOL. 2 SC by Otto Binder, Curt Swan, Wayne Boring, and Others! Classic tales of Jimmy Olsen and Lois Lane! Good for the whole family!
SPIDER-MAN: WITH GREAT POWER #2 of 5 by David Lapham and Tony Harris. Tales from after the bite but before Uncle Ben got killed by Generic Thug or Sandman or whoever.
THOR #6 by J. Michael Straczynski and Olivier Copiel. Tales of Asgard by way of Oklahoma. Also a tough decision is reached.
WORLD WAR HULK AFTERSMASH: DAMAGE CONTROL #2 of 3 by Dwayne McDuffie and Salva Espin. If Halliburton existed in the Marvel Universe (and wasn’t completely evil) it would be Damage Control.
YOUNG AVENGERS PRESENTS: HULKLING #2 of 6 by Brian Reed and Harvey Tolibao. A father-son reunion for Hulkling and Captain Mar-Vell. Nice stuff.
Plus PREVIEWS from Diamond and Marvel Comics.
www.johnjudy.net
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Watch Your Head tips towards Big Planet Comics
Pointed out by Robert and Brenda, last Monday's strip seems to be placed at Big Planet Comics, which would be one of Corey Thomas' local comics stores. There used to be an Another World/Universe chain in the area too, until they imploded.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Zadzooks interviews Jim Salicrup
See "Jim Salicrup still draws inspiration from comics," By Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times February 23, 2008.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Feb 23: Ron Marz signing
Randy T sends in:
Marz Attacks (or at least Signs Witchblade)
Ron Marz, the acclaimed writer of Samurai: Heaven and Earth, is making to signing stops on his mini-tour of the Baltimore, Maryland - Washington, DC area for his work on Top Cow Productions' Witchblade.
After appear on Baltimore's Fox 45 on Friday morning, Marz will sign copies of the new specially priced Witchblade - Volume 1 on Saturday, February 23, 2008 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland, and from 4 PM to 7 PM at Phoenix Comics and Toys' Lansdowne location. The new trade retails for $4.99.
Marz first received widespread attention for his work on Silver Surfer and Green Lantern in the 1990s. Since then he has written Star Wars, taken part in the Marvel vs DC event, and many other top comic properties.
“The Baltimore Comic-Con is one of my favorite shows of the year, so I jumped at the chance to meet more of the fans from the Baltimore/DC area," he said. "Plus I don’t have to work to hard to convince fans to pick up a five dollar trade!”
For more information, contact the respective stores:
Cards, Comics, and Collectibles
100 Chartley Drive
Reisterstown, MD 21136
(410) 526-7410
Phoenix Comics and Toys
Lansdowne Shopping Center
19340 Promenade Drive
Lansdowne, VA 20176
(703) 437-9530
Marz Attacks (or at least Signs Witchblade)
Ron Marz, the acclaimed writer of Samurai: Heaven and Earth, is making to signing stops on his mini-tour of the Baltimore, Maryland - Washington, DC area for his work on Top Cow Productions' Witchblade.
After appear on Baltimore's Fox 45 on Friday morning, Marz will sign copies of the new specially priced Witchblade - Volume 1 on Saturday, February 23, 2008 from 11 AM to 2 PM at Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland, and from 4 PM to 7 PM at Phoenix Comics and Toys' Lansdowne location. The new trade retails for $4.99.
Marz first received widespread attention for his work on Silver Surfer and Green Lantern in the 1990s. Since then he has written Star Wars, taken part in the Marvel vs DC event, and many other top comic properties.
“The Baltimore Comic-Con is one of my favorite shows of the year, so I jumped at the chance to meet more of the fans from the Baltimore/DC area," he said. "Plus I don’t have to work to hard to convince fans to pick up a five dollar trade!”
For more information, contact the respective stores:
Cards, Comics, and Collectibles
100 Chartley Drive
Reisterstown, MD 21136
(410) 526-7410
Phoenix Comics and Toys
Lansdowne Shopping Center
19340 Promenade Drive
Lansdowne, VA 20176
(703) 437-9530
New Frontier DTV animation reviewed in Post
See "'New Frontier' Does These Heroes Justice," by David Betancourt, Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 22, 2008; Page WE35.
Friday, February 22, 2008; Page WE35.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Herblock prize winner John Sherffius interview
See "John Sherffius Discusses the Herblock Prize and the Cartoons That Helped Him Win it," By Dave Astor, Editor and Publisher Online February 21, 2008. The Foundation's announcement can be seen here.
There's a new Herblock exhibit opening at the National Portrait Gallery in May too.
There's a new Herblock exhibit opening at the National Portrait Gallery in May too.
Robin Givhan on superhero-inspired fashions
The Post's fashion correspondent Robin Givhan blogs about superhero-inspired fashions today at "Super Heroes and Super Surprises." The International Herald Tribune has a lot more pictures though.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mexican editorial cartoonist on one of those Post blogs you've never heard of
Amar C. Bakshi on February 19th interviewed Francisco "Paco" Calderon for "Mexico Wages Cartoon Wars Over U.S." There's video on the site as well.
Comics with stories beyond the 4th wall in today's Post
Dilbert refers back to a worker who was fired for posting a Dilbert strip on a bulletin board at work. Dave Astor's got more details than I can bother with.
Baldo's creators tip a hat to Gus Arriola, the cartoonist for Gordo who died earlier this month. R.C. Harvey's book on Arriola and Gordo is still in print and is probably the easiest to find if you want to know more.
Baldo's creators tip a hat to Gus Arriola, the cartoonist for Gordo who died earlier this month. R.C. Harvey's book on Arriola and Gordo is still in print and is probably the easiest to find if you want to know more.
Online article on animation, stereotypes and censorship
See "'Toon 'Types: Animated Stereotypes," by Express contributor Paul Stelter, February 20, 2008.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
3 bits quickly
According to Dave Astor at E&P Online, Mark Tatulli of Lio will be on the Washington Post chat at 1 pm on Friday, February 29th.
Italians have discovered Cul de Sac even though it doesn't appear to be available in Italian. BTW, Italians have a very rich comics tradition, but almost none of it has been reprinted in the US - just Diabolik and a Tex Willer book by Joe Kubert, I think. Oh, and a lot of Disney stories.
Today's Post chat was on "TV Week: The Return of George of the Jungle: Back In the Swing" with Tiffany Ward, Executive Producer (and Jay Ward's daughter), Tuesday, February 19, 2008.
Italians have discovered Cul de Sac even though it doesn't appear to be available in Italian. BTW, Italians have a very rich comics tradition, but almost none of it has been reprinted in the US - just Diabolik and a Tex Willer book by Joe Kubert, I think. Oh, and a lot of Disney stories.
Today's Post chat was on "TV Week: The Return of George of the Jungle: Back In the Swing" with Tiffany Ward, Executive Producer (and Jay Ward's daughter), Tuesday, February 19, 2008.
Monday, February 18, 2008
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-20-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-20-08
By John Judy
ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #4 by Joss Whedon, Brian Lynch, and Franco Urru. Believe it or not, there is yet another shock ending to come. T’would be so awesome to see on TV…
BOYS, VOL. 2: GET SOME SC by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Collecting issues #7-14 featuring the Tek-Knight and the Boys’ trip to Russia. NOT for kids, no way-no how, but still recommended.
BRAVE AND BOLD #10 by Mark Waid and George Perez. Untold tales from the Book of Destiny! Supes! Titans! Silver-Age fun galore! Recommended!
EX MACHINA #34 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Sure, Y THE LAST MAN is over, but we can still get our B.K. Vaughan fix here! This issue we see how an urban vigilante would be received by a real big city police department.
HULK #2 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Still no clue who the Red Hulk is but we do learn why Rick Jones can’t keep his shirt together.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST: ORSON RANDALL AND THE GREEN MIST OF DEATH 1-SHOT by Matt Fraction and Various Artists. Lots of great art and some very important context for what’s happening over in the regular title. Not absolutely essential to understanding the regular series but a huge help in getting past the more puzzling details.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #18 by Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes. JLA vs. Suicide Squad! So when you’re fighting a team called “Suicide Squad” is it appropriate to stand back and say “Okay, go ahead.”?
MAAKIES WITH WRINKLED KNEES HC by Tony Millionaire. Collecting two years worth of the cartoon adventures of Drinky Crow and Uncle Gabby, the hapless ape. Look, ya either get it or ya don’t.
MIGHTY AVENGERS #9 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. What happens when you invade a country that actually has WMDs? Doctor Doom elaborates on this subject.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ANT-MAN/GIANT-MAN VOL. 2 HC by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Carl Burgos, Don Heck, Steve Ditko, and Others. Collecting TALES TO ASTONISH #53-69 from the days before Hank Pym was a spouse-beating, depressive with multiple personality disorder. A must-have for all Human Top completists!
RUNAWAYS #29 by Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan. My admiration of the creative team notwithstanding this book was last seen in October of 2007 so it’s kind of hard to recall who’s doing what to whom. Fun stuff if you like “Back to the Future Meets Gangs of New York Meets X-Men.” And I kinda do…. Still, I’d like my own time machine so I could travel four months into the future to see how this all wraps up.
SPIRIT #14 by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier, and Mike Ploog. A new creative team on Eisner’s most famous creation! If anyone can follow Darwyn Cooke it’s these guys! Recommended.
ULTIMATE HUMAN #2 of 4 by Warren Ellis and Cary Nord. Ultimate Hulk fights Ultimate Iron Man. Yeah, that’s about it.
ULTIMATES 3 #3 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira. The mystery of who killed Ultimate Scarlet Witch is overshadowed by the assertion that she and her brother were doing something that is illegal in most states. (Except maybe the Scarlet ones…) Even in the Spears Sisters Era we live in I would say this series is NOT for kids.
ZORRO #1 by Matt Wagner and Francesco Francavilla. The latest revival of the 1919 pulp character begins here! If you liked the Dynamite Entertainment take on the Lone Ranger you need to check this out. From the award-winning creator of GRENDEL.
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
ANGEL: AFTER THE FALL #4 by Joss Whedon, Brian Lynch, and Franco Urru. Believe it or not, there is yet another shock ending to come. T’would be so awesome to see on TV…
BOYS, VOL. 2: GET SOME SC by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. Collecting issues #7-14 featuring the Tek-Knight and the Boys’ trip to Russia. NOT for kids, no way-no how, but still recommended.
BRAVE AND BOLD #10 by Mark Waid and George Perez. Untold tales from the Book of Destiny! Supes! Titans! Silver-Age fun galore! Recommended!
EX MACHINA #34 by Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris. Sure, Y THE LAST MAN is over, but we can still get our B.K. Vaughan fix here! This issue we see how an urban vigilante would be received by a real big city police department.
HULK #2 by Jeph Loeb and Ed McGuinness. Still no clue who the Red Hulk is but we do learn why Rick Jones can’t keep his shirt together.
IMMORTAL IRON FIST: ORSON RANDALL AND THE GREEN MIST OF DEATH 1-SHOT by Matt Fraction and Various Artists. Lots of great art and some very important context for what’s happening over in the regular title. Not absolutely essential to understanding the regular series but a huge help in getting past the more puzzling details.
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #18 by Dwayne McDuffie and Ed Benes. JLA vs. Suicide Squad! So when you’re fighting a team called “Suicide Squad” is it appropriate to stand back and say “Okay, go ahead.”?
MAAKIES WITH WRINKLED KNEES HC by Tony Millionaire. Collecting two years worth of the cartoon adventures of Drinky Crow and Uncle Gabby, the hapless ape. Look, ya either get it or ya don’t.
MIGHTY AVENGERS #9 by Brian Michael Bendis and Mark Bagley. What happens when you invade a country that actually has WMDs? Doctor Doom elaborates on this subject.
MARVEL MASTERWORKS: ANT-MAN/GIANT-MAN VOL. 2 HC by Stan Lee, Larry Lieber, Carl Burgos, Don Heck, Steve Ditko, and Others. Collecting TALES TO ASTONISH #53-69 from the days before Hank Pym was a spouse-beating, depressive with multiple personality disorder. A must-have for all Human Top completists!
RUNAWAYS #29 by Joss Whedon and Michael Ryan. My admiration of the creative team notwithstanding this book was last seen in October of 2007 so it’s kind of hard to recall who’s doing what to whom. Fun stuff if you like “Back to the Future Meets Gangs of New York Meets X-Men.” And I kinda do…. Still, I’d like my own time machine so I could travel four months into the future to see how this all wraps up.
SPIRIT #14 by Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier, and Mike Ploog. A new creative team on Eisner’s most famous creation! If anyone can follow Darwyn Cooke it’s these guys! Recommended.
ULTIMATE HUMAN #2 of 4 by Warren Ellis and Cary Nord. Ultimate Hulk fights Ultimate Iron Man. Yeah, that’s about it.
ULTIMATES 3 #3 of 5 by Jeph Loeb and Joe Madureira. The mystery of who killed Ultimate Scarlet Witch is overshadowed by the assertion that she and her brother were doing something that is illegal in most states. (Except maybe the Scarlet ones…) Even in the Spears Sisters Era we live in I would say this series is NOT for kids.
ZORRO #1 by Matt Wagner and Francesco Francavilla. The latest revival of the 1919 pulp character begins here! If you liked the Dynamite Entertainment take on the Lone Ranger you need to check this out. From the award-winning creator of GRENDEL.
www.johnjudy.net
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Silver Spring's Adventure House publishes comic strip biography
I ran into the publisher Adventure House at a con last weekend and talked to him for a while. In addition to the stunning Alex Raymond book pictured here, I've been buying his reprints of the Shadow regularly. Both the Shadow and Doc Savage have new material written by pulp historians Anthony Tollin and Will Murray. 
Adventure House also has a couple of pulp reprints relating to comic strips - pulp version of Tailspin Tommy #2 from January 1937 and Don Winslow of the Navy #2 from May 1937. I'm a big fan of comics novelizations, even though they're frequently so-so, and was quite please to be able to buy these. I bought this too - Uncovered: The Hidden Art of the Girlie Pulps - on sale for half-price!
Elk's Run interview
Elk's Run was edited by Arlington's Jason Rodriguez - here's a discussion of the book and an interview with the author from Comicon's The Pulse 02-14-2008 "FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Elk’s Run," by CHRIS BECKETT.
Zadzooks on Spider-Man's silly retcon
"Awesome art can't save Spider-Man from story," By Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times, February 16, 2008. For those who don't read Spider-Man - the devil offered to save Aunt May's life in exchange for Spidey and Mary Jane's marriage - and they took the deal. Hah!
Drew Friedman artwork in Sunday's Post
The Style & Arts section, apparently flush with money after being merged, hired cartoonist and caricaturist Drew Friedman to do a color page for their Oscars coverage. Friedman's appeared in Heavy Metal, Entertainment Weekly and has two books on Jewish Comedians out from Fantagraphics now.
The Incredible Mr. Poe exhibit - new opening date
The Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 24 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Thursday evening April 24, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with an Unhappy Hour, food, and music, free and open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 24 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Thursday evening April 24, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., with an Unhappy Hour, food, and music, free and open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
George of the Jungle in the Post on Sunday and Tuesday
The new animated George of the Jungle is the topic of "Back in The Swing: George's Jungle Hijinks Evolve for a New Generation," by Kathy Blumenstock, Washington Post Staff Writer, Sunday, February 17, 2008 in the TV week section.
Jay Ward's daughter Tiffany is interviewed about the new show and her father and will be answering questions Tuesday, Feb 19 at 1 pm on www.washingtonpost.com
Jay Ward's daughter Tiffany is interviewed about the new show and her father and will be answering questions Tuesday, Feb 19 at 1 pm on www.washingtonpost.com
Friday, February 15, 2008
Carl Barks exhibit at Geppi's Entertainment Museum
The Scoop newsletter's article Carl Barks in the Spotlight at GEM: "Scrooged!" has more detail on the new exhibit in Baltimore.
Feb 15-17 Anime in town
According to "All Fired Up for Anime," by Ellen McCarthy, Washington Post Staff Writer, Friday, February 15, 2008; Page WE33, there's a lot of anime in town this weekend. Once can go to:
ANIME AT THE KENNEDY CENTER Genius Party premieres, Friday and Saturday at 7:30. $25. Three-movie marathon, Sunday, with films at 11, 1:15 and 3:30. $15 each. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. http://www.kennedy-center.org
KATSUCON Friday-Sunday. Omni Shoreham, 2500 Calvert St. NW. Friday $25, Saturday $35, Sunday $20, three-day pass $50. No advance registration required. For a full schedule, visit http://www.katsucon.com.
More details on the Kennedy Center events can be found in yesterday's Express - "Welcome To Japan: 'Culture + Hyperculture'" by Christopher Correa, Express, February 14, 2008.
ANIME AT THE KENNEDY CENTER Genius Party premieres, Friday and Saturday at 7:30. $25. Three-movie marathon, Sunday, with films at 11, 1:15 and 3:30. $15 each. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600. http://www.kennedy-center.org
KATSUCON Friday-Sunday. Omni Shoreham, 2500 Calvert St. NW. Friday $25, Saturday $35, Sunday $20, three-day pass $50. No advance registration required. For a full schedule, visit http://www.katsucon.com.
More details on the Kennedy Center events can be found in yesterday's Express - "Welcome To Japan: 'Culture + Hyperculture'" by Christopher Correa, Express, February 14, 2008.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
OT: Michael Barson on Love Comics
Recently my editor at the University Press of Mississippi tracked down Mike Barson so I could ask permission to use his 1984 interview with Harvey Pekar from Heavy Metal. I called Mr. Barson yesterday and had an enjoyable conversation with him about interviewing Harvey and his other work for Heavy Metal. He's been doing books on ephemera - most are available on Amazon - and today I saw this article on EW.com - "Boy loves girl, girl loves boy and other fables from the Golden Age of Love Comics," by Michael Barson. Check it out.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Comics articles in local media
"Undercover Brother: 'Incognegro'" by Darona Williams on February 13, 2008 is online at the Express website, but isn't in the paper.
Meanwhile the Capitol Hill paper has Mike Canning on Persepolis - "A most animated tale, but no cartoon," Hillrag (February 2008): 78.
Meanwhile the Capitol Hill paper has Mike Canning on Persepolis - "A most animated tale, but no cartoon," Hillrag (February 2008): 78.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Finding back issues of comics in DC UPDATED
A reader (!) wrote in asking for recommendations about back issue stores in the area. Here's an edited version of my replay and suggestions are welcome -
Very few back issue stores left - there's one in Vienna, VA - which is not the Big Planet Comics store there. According to Randy T in the comments, it's EG Comics, which is not on this this Google search, but is on Maple Ave in one of the strip malls. Aside from that - Barbarian Books in Wheaton - call first as they have odd hours and are closed on Monday I think, although they are close to a Metro. Maybe the closest.
Obviously I'm a fan of Big Planet - I go to the Bethesda store - but they're all good and they all have almost no back issues now (except for College Park - see Joel Pollack's comment below). Another good store is Fantom Comics in Tenleytown and Union Station, both locations right outside the metro. No back issues, or not many, though.
Most back issues turn up at the two local cons - the Capital Associates one is bigger and had a good selection of back issues when I was at it last Sunday.
Very few back issue stores left - there's one in Vienna, VA - which is not the Big Planet Comics store there. According to Randy T in the comments, it's EG Comics, which is not on this this Google search, but is on Maple Ave in one of the strip malls. Aside from that - Barbarian Books in Wheaton - call first as they have odd hours and are closed on Monday I think, although they are close to a Metro. Maybe the closest.
Obviously I'm a fan of Big Planet - I go to the Bethesda store - but they're all good and they all have almost no back issues now (except for College Park - see Joel Pollack's comment below). Another good store is Fantom Comics in Tenleytown and Union Station, both locations right outside the metro. No back issues, or not many, though.
Most back issues turn up at the two local cons - the Capital Associates one is bigger and had a good selection of back issues when I was at it last Sunday.
OT: The philosophical implications of Captain America
I was in a Borders recently with our man RT*, and saw the British magazine to the right and immediately scooped it up and rushed to the cash register. "Popular Culture and Philosophy" - who could resist? Inside is Major Todd A Burkhardt's article "Operation Rebirth: Captain America and the ethics of enhancement,"Philosophy Now (November / December 2007). Major Burkhardt, who teaches at West Point according to his bio blurb, asks, "...What would be the moral ramifications of creating a real Captain America? Is the intentional creation of super-soldiers by cell engineering morally permissible?"
After a review of the concepts of freedom and supreme evil, Burkhardt concludes that the creation of a super-soldier was moral for 1940. He leaves aside the issue of whether it would be today.
*Richard Thompson, cartoonist and bon vivant
Monday, February 11, 2008
Ann Telnaes interview on gender bias in editorial cartons
Ann Telnaes was interviewed for the story that appeared in the paper - "Drawing the line: Editorial cartoonists confront issues of sexism and racism when caricaturing the Democratic front-runners," by Pam Platt, Louisville, KY Courier-Journal February 10, 2008, but Ms. Platt also posted the interviews she did on their website.
And a tip of the hat to Alan Gardner's Daily Cartoonist blog for one of the links.
And a tip of the hat to Alan Gardner's Daily Cartoonist blog for one of the links.
Mike Imboden's Fist of Justice
Frederick, Maryland's Mike Imboden and his Fist of Justice comic book is profiled in "Frederick Writer Creates Comic Book Hero," Associated Press February 11, 2008. I picked up a couple of his books at a con late last year - he does some nice parody covers of early Marvel books.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Government Comics on Internet Archive
A search for 'comic book' at the Internet Archive produces pdfs of some US Government comic book giveaways including Mr. Civil Defense Tells About Natural Disasters which has a Li'l Abner cover and Smash-Up at Big Rock with art by Mark Trail's Ed Dodd. There's also a Jack Chick and a Klan comic. I guess there are still some government giveaway comics although the only one coming to mind at the moment is PS Magazine - now with Joe Kubert artwork.
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-13-08
QUICK REVIEWS FOR COMICS DUE 02-13-08
By John Judy
Remember: Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like an armload of comics! Right, honey? Honey…?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #550 by Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larroca. Jackpot! Menace! And maybe some more new characters with so-so names. It’s no “Doctor Octopus” is all I’m saying.
ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE SPECIAL #2 BEAUTIE by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. The secret origin of Astro City’s own living doll, Beautie! We’ve been waiting years for this and so has she! Recommended!
BAT LASH #3 of 6 by Peter Brandvold, Sergio Aragones and John Severin. Necktie Party! How’s ol’ Bat gonna git outta this one?! Owl-hoots beware!
BLACK PANTHER #34 by Reginald Hudlin and Cafu. Featuring Skrull gangsters and frogs.
BOOSTER GOLD #0 by Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, and Dan Jurgens. It’s official: This is the latest-shipping title ever!!! Ladies and Gentlemen: the Booster Gold/Zero Hour cross-over! In your face, Kevin Smith! Eat it, Ultimate Hulk/Wolverine #3! Miracleman #25? 1963 Annual? All is forgiven. You can come out now… Please?
BPRD: 1946 #2 of 5 by Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart, and Paul Azaceta. Professor Bruttenholm teams up with the Russkies to find out what’s up with Project Vampir Sturm. Creepy Horrific hi-jinks from the House of Hellboy!
CAPTAIN MARVEL #3 of 5 by Brian Reed and Lee Weeks. Paintings and Skrulls.
DMZ #28 by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli. The secret origin of Soames, New York’s most infamous eco-warrior!
DOOM PATROL ARCHIVES VOL. 4 HC by Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani. Collecting issues #106-113 of “the strangest super-team of all.” No, the other one. Silver-Age, dinosaur-punching fun! Recommended.
FANTASTIC FOUR #554 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. A new team and a new look for The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine! Very ultimate-y without feeling as wholly detached from the rich details of the mainstream Marvel Yoo. Recommended.
GHOST RIDER #20 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi. Okay, I know it’s Ghost Rider which is usually a title on par with its movie adaptation. However, this new arc is being written by the guy who writes SCALPED and SCALPED is completely awesome. That alone gets this issue a read. A very hopeful read….
GOON #21 written and illustrated by Eric Powell. The Priest’s unearthly kin would like a word with him.
NEW AVENGERS #38 by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. Jessica Jones turns herself in to The Law to protect her baby. Very “Juno” if “Juno” was a noir super-hero story without all the chipper pseudo-Canadian accents and West Wing-y banter. Okay, it’s Bendis so the banter is there. No getting around the banter. Sorry.
NEXT ISSUE PROJECT #1: FANTASTIC COMICS #24 by Many Twisted People. Okay, Booster and Company are off the hook. This one is the Latest Comic Ever by about 66 years. The last issue of FANTASTIC COMICS was on the stands in November of 1941. A little thing called “copyright expiration” kicked in and now anyone who wants to can publish all the characters contained therein, no harm, no foul. So brace yourself for a golden-age sized delight containing the new adventures of Samson, Stardust, Flip Falcon, Sub Saunders, Yank Wilson, and more! Marvel’s got THE TWELVE. Dynamite’s got that Alex Ross thing. Now it’s Image’s turn at bat, Gotta look!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: ENEMY ACE, VOL. 1 SC by Robert Kanigher, Joe Kubert, John Severin, Howard Chaykin, Neal Adams, and wow, how do you even follow that? A must for fans of great comics, “war” or otherwise.
SUPERMAN #673 by Kurt Busiek and Peter Vale. Superman fights Insect Queen on the moon! And he’s got a bug’s head on the cover! What more can one ask?
WALKING DEAD #46 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Oh man, I hope they didn’t really kill Michonne last issue…. Not for kids. Must have.
WILL EISNER’S SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL.24 HC written and drawn by Will Eisner. The final volume of Eisner’s most famous creation, collecting the weekly Spirit adventures up through the early 1950s. The cover art alone is worth it. Recommended with awe.
WOLVERINE #62 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. Best Wolvie story in quite a while from the author of SCALPED. Featuring Mystique and a seriously ruthless Scott Summers. It’s like he grew up on a reservation or something… Recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #17 by Gail Simone and Terry & Rachel Dodson. WW vs. evil Amazons and Nazis. Classic stuff, beautifully drawn and on time!
X-FACTOR #28 by Peter David and Pablo Raimondi. Finally free from the last Big X-Over, we learn who Madrox knocked up and what’s happening around Mutant-Town. Helpful x-slang to learn: “PAN = Pass As Normal. REM = You still have your horns, tentacles, weird brow ridges, but no friggin’ powers.” It’ll be on the test.
X-FORCE #1 of 6 by Christopher Yost and Clayton Crain. Wolverine, Warpath, Wolfsbane, and the Wolverine Tranny-Clone X-23. Cyclops has assembled a mutant murder squad to kill anyone he doesn’t like. Because that’s what heroes do. Do protect Freedom or something. Comes without poly-bags, trading cards, or a bucket. But it does have those highly collectable variant covers!
www.johnjudy.net
By John Judy
Remember: Nothing says “Happy Valentine’s Day” like an armload of comics! Right, honey? Honey…?
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #550 by Marc Guggenheim and Salvador Larroca. Jackpot! Menace! And maybe some more new characters with so-so names. It’s no “Doctor Octopus” is all I’m saying.
ASTRO CITY: THE DARK AGE SPECIAL #2 BEAUTIE by Kurt Busiek and Brent Anderson. The secret origin of Astro City’s own living doll, Beautie! We’ve been waiting years for this and so has she! Recommended!
BAT LASH #3 of 6 by Peter Brandvold, Sergio Aragones and John Severin. Necktie Party! How’s ol’ Bat gonna git outta this one?! Owl-hoots beware!
BLACK PANTHER #34 by Reginald Hudlin and Cafu. Featuring Skrull gangsters and frogs.
BOOSTER GOLD #0 by Geoff Johns, Jeff Katz, and Dan Jurgens. It’s official: This is the latest-shipping title ever!!! Ladies and Gentlemen: the Booster Gold/Zero Hour cross-over! In your face, Kevin Smith! Eat it, Ultimate Hulk/Wolverine #3! Miracleman #25? 1963 Annual? All is forgiven. You can come out now… Please?
BPRD: 1946 #2 of 5 by Mike Mignola, Joshua Dysart, and Paul Azaceta. Professor Bruttenholm teams up with the Russkies to find out what’s up with Project Vampir Sturm. Creepy Horrific hi-jinks from the House of Hellboy!
CAPTAIN MARVEL #3 of 5 by Brian Reed and Lee Weeks. Paintings and Skrulls.
DMZ #28 by Brian Wood and Riccardo Burchielli. The secret origin of Soames, New York’s most infamous eco-warrior!
DOOM PATROL ARCHIVES VOL. 4 HC by Arnold Drake and Bruno Premiani. Collecting issues #106-113 of “the strangest super-team of all.” No, the other one. Silver-Age, dinosaur-punching fun! Recommended.
FANTASTIC FOUR #554 by Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch. A new team and a new look for The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine! Very ultimate-y without feeling as wholly detached from the rich details of the mainstream Marvel Yoo. Recommended.
GHOST RIDER #20 by Jason Aaron and Roland Boschi. Okay, I know it’s Ghost Rider which is usually a title on par with its movie adaptation. However, this new arc is being written by the guy who writes SCALPED and SCALPED is completely awesome. That alone gets this issue a read. A very hopeful read….
GOON #21 written and illustrated by Eric Powell. The Priest’s unearthly kin would like a word with him.
NEW AVENGERS #38 by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Gaydos. Jessica Jones turns herself in to The Law to protect her baby. Very “Juno” if “Juno” was a noir super-hero story without all the chipper pseudo-Canadian accents and West Wing-y banter. Okay, it’s Bendis so the banter is there. No getting around the banter. Sorry.
NEXT ISSUE PROJECT #1: FANTASTIC COMICS #24 by Many Twisted People. Okay, Booster and Company are off the hook. This one is the Latest Comic Ever by about 66 years. The last issue of FANTASTIC COMICS was on the stands in November of 1941. A little thing called “copyright expiration” kicked in and now anyone who wants to can publish all the characters contained therein, no harm, no foul. So brace yourself for a golden-age sized delight containing the new adventures of Samson, Stardust, Flip Falcon, Sub Saunders, Yank Wilson, and more! Marvel’s got THE TWELVE. Dynamite’s got that Alex Ross thing. Now it’s Image’s turn at bat, Gotta look!
SHOWCASE PRESENTS: ENEMY ACE, VOL. 1 SC by Robert Kanigher, Joe Kubert, John Severin, Howard Chaykin, Neal Adams, and wow, how do you even follow that? A must for fans of great comics, “war” or otherwise.
SUPERMAN #673 by Kurt Busiek and Peter Vale. Superman fights Insect Queen on the moon! And he’s got a bug’s head on the cover! What more can one ask?
WALKING DEAD #46 by Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard. Oh man, I hope they didn’t really kill Michonne last issue…. Not for kids. Must have.
WILL EISNER’S SPIRIT ARCHIVES VOL.24 HC written and drawn by Will Eisner. The final volume of Eisner’s most famous creation, collecting the weekly Spirit adventures up through the early 1950s. The cover art alone is worth it. Recommended with awe.
WOLVERINE #62 by Jason Aaron and Ron Garney. Best Wolvie story in quite a while from the author of SCALPED. Featuring Mystique and a seriously ruthless Scott Summers. It’s like he grew up on a reservation or something… Recommended.
WONDER WOMAN #17 by Gail Simone and Terry & Rachel Dodson. WW vs. evil Amazons and Nazis. Classic stuff, beautifully drawn and on time!
X-FACTOR #28 by Peter David and Pablo Raimondi. Finally free from the last Big X-Over, we learn who Madrox knocked up and what’s happening around Mutant-Town. Helpful x-slang to learn: “PAN = Pass As Normal. REM = You still have your horns, tentacles, weird brow ridges, but no friggin’ powers.” It’ll be on the test.
X-FORCE #1 of 6 by Christopher Yost and Clayton Crain. Wolverine, Warpath, Wolfsbane, and the Wolverine Tranny-Clone X-23. Cyclops has assembled a mutant murder squad to kill anyone he doesn’t like. Because that’s what heroes do. Do protect Freedom or something. Comes without poly-bags, trading cards, or a bucket. But it does have those highly collectable variant covers!
www.johnjudy.net
Saturday, February 09, 2008
April 25: The Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics
A new exhibit curated by long-time comics scholar Tom Inge will open in Richmond in the spring.
The Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 25 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Friday evening April 25, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., and there will also be an introductory lecture. All events are open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
The Incredible Mr. Poe: Edgar Allan Poe in the Comics
An Exhibition
In 1941, Russian immigrant Albert Lewis Kanter tried to introduce young people in the United States to fine literature by incorporating the classics into something they were already reading—comic books. In 1944, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” appeared in Kanter’s Classic Comics series, and ever since adaptations of both Poe and his works have been regular features in comic books and graphic novels, many of which will be on display April 25 to October 31 at the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond (www.poemuseum.org). Poe has even appeared as a comics hero himself alongside Batman and Scooby Doo.
M. Thomas Inge, Blackwell Professor of Humanities at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, and Poe Foundation trustee, has studied comic art for over forty years and published several books on the subject. His collection of comic books from childhood will form the core of the upcoming exhibition which is curated by Richmond artist Chris Semtner.
Also featured will be original artwork by such comic artists and illustrators as Rick Geary, Richard Corben, Gahan Wilson, Gris Grimly, Bill Griffith, and Patrick McDonnell, as well as proof sheets and original pages for some of the Classics Illustrated and other comic book versions loaned by collector Jim Vacca of Boulder, Colorado. An illustrated book and catalog will be available for purchase from the Museum Gift Shop with proceeds going to the Museum.
This will be the first exhibition ever devoted to the comic books and graphic narratives that have helped keep Poe’s name and works in the public eye for over sixty years. An opening reception will be held Friday evening April 25, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., and there will also be an introductory lecture. All events are open to the public. The Edgar Allan Poe Museum is located at 1914 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, phone 804 648-5523. For more information contact Rebecca Jones at becca@poemuseum.org or call toll free 888 21EAPOE.
Zadzooks is Harvey Birdman videogame review
Voila - "Harvey Birdman tans, gets smiles amid justice," By Joseph Szadkowski, Washington Times, February 9, 2008. Nah, I don't really care either.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Bruce Guthrie's pictures of Clarendon's Mardi Gras Parade and the Richard Thompson float
Bruce Guthrie has a photoset of pre-Mardi Gras hijinks at the BonoTom Studio where the Richard Thompson-inspired
float for Clarendon's Mardi Gras parade was designed and built and then pictures of the float in action.
We can all get along!
Richard and I look on in stunned amazement.
Bonotom Studio made the buildings and everything.
float for Clarendon's Mardi Gras parade was designed and built and then pictures of the float in action.
We can all get along!
Richard and I look on in stunned amazement.
Bonotom Studio made the buildings and everything.
Feb 10 Comic convention this weekend
Capital Associates - Dunn Loring Fire Dept, Tysons Coverner, VA, 2148 Gallows Road. $3.00, 10am-3 pm - www.capicons.com for information.
Special guest - Pop Mhan
Special guest - Pop Mhan
Feb 7-17: Anime and manga at Kennedy Center
Repost!
From their website:
Manga & Anime
Manga is a sequential narrative Japanese comic. Anime is a unique animation style developed in Japan. Both are now internationally recognized forms of literary and visual art. Manga is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. books—and anime films have gained a rapidly expanding fan base across the nation.
Manga Café and Reading Lounge
Enjoy a bite to eat while reading VIZ Media mangas, watching anime trailers, and viewing vintage robot toys. Manga author Robin Nishi will capture festival happenings in a daily drawing and conduct a free workshop.
* Feb 7 - 17, 2008
* South Gallery
Genius Party Premieres
Don't miss this unprecedented series of original films by Japan's top anime talents, who were each selected by Director and Genius Party Executive Producer Eiko Tanaka to create their dream projects.
* Feb 15 - 16, 2008
* Family Theater
* $25.00
Marathon of Anime Premieres
Don't miss this screening marathon featuring three new anime features: 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Piano Forest, and Appleseed: Ex Machina.
* Feb 17, 2008
* Family Theater
* $15.00
From their website:
Manga & Anime
Manga is a sequential narrative Japanese comic. Anime is a unique animation style developed in Japan. Both are now internationally recognized forms of literary and visual art. Manga is one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. books—and anime films have gained a rapidly expanding fan base across the nation.
Manga Café and Reading Lounge
Enjoy a bite to eat while reading VIZ Media mangas, watching anime trailers, and viewing vintage robot toys. Manga author Robin Nishi will capture festival happenings in a daily drawing and conduct a free workshop.
* Feb 7 - 17, 2008
* South Gallery
Genius Party Premieres
Don't miss this unprecedented series of original films by Japan's top anime talents, who were each selected by Director and Genius Party Executive Producer Eiko Tanaka to create their dream projects.
* Feb 15 - 16, 2008
* Family Theater
* $25.00
Marathon of Anime Premieres
Don't miss this screening marathon featuring three new anime features: 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Piano Forest, and Appleseed: Ex Machina.
* Feb 17, 2008
* Family Theater
* $15.00
Arlington's Steve Conley draws Star Trek
Arlington's Steve Conley is drawing Star Trek for IDW's Star Trek Year Four. They're up to six issues so far - Steve seems to be drawing about every other one and is doing some covers as well. The comic is based on the animated tv series, and has been good so far. Steve's name may be familiar from organizing the Small Press Expo, or his fun web comic / comic book Astounding Space Thrills.
Post on comic strip collective action
The Post has picked up on the February 10th collective protest by cartoonists of a darker shade of pale - "Cartoonists to Protest Lack of Color in the Comics," by Teresa Wiltz, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, February 6, 2008; C01. The protest is largely the idea of local cartoonist Corey Thomas who does 'Watch Your Head.'
I'm afraid I agree with the opinions that Gene Weingarten expressed in his chat update today, although I like Baldo and La Cucaracha well enough. Boondocks' McGruder's comments in the initial article are interesting too - unfortunately I don't think a lot of the college cartoonists are able to sustain their strip. I was a fan of Watch Your Head when the Post tried it out, but it's become a real one-note strip.
Chatalogical Humor by Gene Weingarten, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, February 5, 2008; 12:00 PM
Gene Weingarten: Here's an interesting piece in today's Style section, about a planned protest by cartoonists-of-color.
I sympathize with these guys, and many of them produce good strips that are victims of a de facto quota system. But there's a difficult truth that undercuts their argument. In devastating economic times, newspapers are (unwisely, I believe) ruthlessly squeezing the life out of their comics pages. So there is plenty of pandering going on in all directions -- a naked, desperate effort to appeal to every possible perceived constituency -- and that has nothing to do with racism. With limited space, there are quotas for everything. Believe me, the only reason newspapers run the painfully bad Prickly City is that they feel they need to offer a conservative voice on the page, to counterbalance the lefty Doonesbury, Candorville Nonsequitur, etc. The only reason newspapers run Dennis the Menace and Beetle Bailey and Classic Peanuts is to appeal to the oldsters who they believe would feel lost without these mild, mealy things. Family Circus is for very, very young readers, and preposterously stupid adults, and lovers of camp humor. This appeal-to-all-demographics impulse leaves very little room for ANYONE to break into a newspaper.
There is another factor undercutting their argument: For some, the despicable quota system has worked splendidly. The only reason The Post runs the weak Baldo is that the pandering alternative is the weaker La Cucaracha.
It's a pretty bad situation all around.
I'm afraid I agree with the opinions that Gene Weingarten expressed in his chat update today, although I like Baldo and La Cucaracha well enough. Boondocks' McGruder's comments in the initial article are interesting too - unfortunately I don't think a lot of the college cartoonists are able to sustain their strip. I was a fan of Watch Your Head when the Post tried it out, but it's become a real one-note strip.
Chatalogical Humor by Gene Weingarten, Washington Post Staff Writer, Tuesday, February 5, 2008; 12:00 PM
Gene Weingarten: Here's an interesting piece in today's Style section, about a planned protest by cartoonists-of-color.
I sympathize with these guys, and many of them produce good strips that are victims of a de facto quota system. But there's a difficult truth that undercuts their argument. In devastating economic times, newspapers are (unwisely, I believe) ruthlessly squeezing the life out of their comics pages. So there is plenty of pandering going on in all directions -- a naked, desperate effort to appeal to every possible perceived constituency -- and that has nothing to do with racism. With limited space, there are quotas for everything. Believe me, the only reason newspapers run the painfully bad Prickly City is that they feel they need to offer a conservative voice on the page, to counterbalance the lefty Doonesbury, Candorville Nonsequitur, etc. The only reason newspapers run Dennis the Menace and Beetle Bailey and Classic Peanuts is to appeal to the oldsters who they believe would feel lost without these mild, mealy things. Family Circus is for very, very young readers, and preposterously stupid adults, and lovers of camp humor. This appeal-to-all-demographics impulse leaves very little room for ANYONE to break into a newspaper.
There is another factor undercutting their argument: For some, the despicable quota system has worked splendidly. The only reason The Post runs the weak Baldo is that the pandering alternative is the weaker La Cucaracha.
It's a pretty bad situation all around.
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